"Motorized Craft" Not Authorized

A pilot from Arkansas found himself in hot water after landing his LSA beside the ocean about noon on Sunday. Authorities say 36-year-old Mark Jensen was arrested for operating a "motorized craft" on Georgia's Tybee Island beach near Savannah in violation of local laws.

Jensen and his mother reportedly were on board the airplane when it made the beach landing. The Savannah Morning News reports that after the landing, the two "casually" got out of the airplane and went for a walk on the beach, according to police Lt. Jonathan Hagan.

But it apparently wasn't the best idea for a nice Sunday afternoon in southeast Georgia. Jensen was charged with reckless conduct and operating a motorized craft on the beach. "There was nothing mechanically wrong with the plane," Hagen said. "It was strictly for pleasure."

Television station WSAV reports that Jensen has apologized for the beach landing, saying he had no intention of causing any trouble. "I’m truly sorry, and I’m glad no one got hurt”.  Jensen said, adding that he made a mistake, and he hopes people will accept his apology. 

Both Jensen and his mom said they had often landed on beaches in the past. It's a pretty fair bet they won't be going back to SE Georgia anytime soon.

FMI: www.cityoftybee.org/Police.aspx?CNID=338, www.faa.gov