Claims Mechanical Problem Forced "Mellow" Landing

A Cessna 150 made a forced landing Thursday in a cornfield in Manheim Township, PA, and was arrested by local law enforcement for suspicion of flying while intoxicated.

Investigators said they smelled alcohol on the pilot's breath, according to Lancaster WGAL Channel 8. He was charged with flying under the influence of alcohol after failing a field sobriety test and breathalyzer, according to the Lancaster New Era.

"We smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and we noticed his speech was slurred," said Sgt. Jeff Jones. "He was taken into custody by Manheim Township police officers, and ...have a blood withdrawal done to determine his blood alcohol content."

Pilot George Robert Coder, 44, denied having anything to drink. He now faces a possible fine of $5,000 to $10,000 and a minimum 30 days in jail. He was released after the blood draw at the hospital, Jones said.

Coder, a chiropractor, told reporters he had a mechanical failure with his C-150 during travel from Smoketown Airport to Lancaster Airport.

He said he has been flying for about 10 years and described his landing as "mellow."

IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: 7842E        Make/Model: C150      Description: 150, A150, Commuter, Aerobat
  Date: 06/28/2007     Time: 1530

  Event Type: Incident   Highest Injury: None     Mid Air: N    Missing: N
  Damage: Unknown

LOCATION
  City: SMOKETOWN   State: PA   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  PILOT MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A FIELD FOR UNKNOWN REASONS AFTER
  DEPARTING SMOKETOWN AIRORT, SMOKETOWN, PA

INJURY DATA      Total Fatal:   0
                 # Crew:   1     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:   
                 # Pass:   0     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:   
                 # Grnd:         Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:   

WEATHER: KLNS 281553Z 30009KT 5SM HZ CLR 28/21 A2999

OTHER DATA
  Activity: Pleasure      Phase: Landing      Operation: OTHER

  FAA FSDO: HARRISBURG, PA  (EA13)                Entry date: 06/29/2007

FMI: www.faa.gov