Police Say Mischievous Pilots May Be Former Students

Police in Farmington Hills, MI want to speak with the people onboard a small plane, type unknown, who allegedly buzzed a local high school Thursday.

The flight wasn't a mere prank, reports the Detroit Free-Press. Those onboard the plane threw toilet paper and paint balls out the window -- the latter nearly hitting a car with passengers inside.

"It's over the top," said Estralee Michaelson, Farmington Hills Public Schools' director of safe schools.

Officials say the blue, single-engine plane with a yellow stripe flew several low passes over Harrison High School. Several students -- apparently tipped off ahead of time to the event -- watched as the plane flew overhead.

"This could have been a real tragedy," Police Chief William Dwyer said. "I think they thought it was a prank, but it wasn't. It's just a matter of time before we identify them."

In addition to witness descriptions of the plane, authorities also believe those involved may be three former students at the high school. Police are offering a $500 award.

The FAA is also involved, according to agency spokeswoman Elizabeth Cory.

Dwyer said the plane flew lower than 500 feet AGL -- well below the minimum 1,000-foot above-ground-level altitude restriction when over densely-populated areas.

FMI: www.ci.farmington-hills.mi.us/Services/Police/OverviewPolice.asp