But Didn't Have Enough Fuel To Fly Away

Code Enforcement Officers were called to Griffin-Spalding airport in Griffin, Georgia Wednesday to respond to a complaint about someone driving his vehicle across the runway and taxiway. They finally identified Daniel Wayne Gryder, who had (reportedly) initially denied knowing anyone by that name, and attempted to serve him with a half-dozen citations.

Dan Gryder

Television station WSB-TV in Atlanta reports that Gryder refused to sign the citations, climbed into his 1937 DC-3, which was parked near the officers' car, and started the engines. Gryder then reportedly told the officers he would hit their car with the airplane if it was not moved. They said he nearly hit the car with the aircraft as they returned to the vehicle. 

Gryder's DC-3

As Gryder taxied to the runway, the local police and county sheriff's deputies arrived at the airport. They ordered Gryder to stop, but he refused.

But Gryder's getaway plans were thwarted by a lack of fuel for the old Douglas. When he demanded a fuel truck be sent out to the end of the runway, he was told "no." He taxied back to a parking place, shut down the engines, and was arrested on leaving the plane.

Gryder's actions shut down the airport for more than 45 minutes. He's currently being held at the Spaulding County jail on charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of an officer.

In addition, Gryder, a pilot for Delta Airlines, won't be logging any airtime with the airline until the matter is properly investigated. Delta spokesman Anthony Black reported his suspension a short while ago and has confirmed that the 48-year-old pilot is suspended.

FMI: www.cityofgriffin.com/Departments/PlanningDevelopment/Airport.aspx