But He Forgot A Checklist Item: Remove The Tie-Downs

A California man was arrested last Friday after attempting to steal an airplane at gunpoint.

Police say 25 year old Troy Daniel Long of Bellflower walked into the terminal office at Compton’s Woodley Airport early Friday morning and took the keys to a Cessna 152, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. When employees attempted to stop him he reportedly brandished a hand gun. As deputies arrived, Long had entered the plane and started the engine. He was attempting to taxi away and take off ... but had forgotten to remove the tie-down from the tail of the aircraft.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Sheriff's Spokesman Capt. Mike Parker said Long was revving the engine of the 152, and it was "lurching and bucking" against the chain attached to the tail tie-down point.

Seeing that he was outgunned by a number of deputies, Long reportedly shut down the Cessna's engine and surrendered. He was booked by the FBI on charges of suspected aircraft piracy.

Long had at one time been a flight student at Compton. He apparently skipped lesson on following the pre-takeoff checklist.

FMI: http://sheriff.lacounty.gov