Witnesses Say Pilot Repeatedly Flew Low Overhead

On the list of what NOT to do when flying an aircraft... we imagine "crashing after buzzing golfers, and kids playing soccer" is pretty close to the top.

KDKA-2 in Pittsburgh, PA reports an unnamed pilot flew low over a number of golfers on a course in Rostraver Tuesday. Witnesses said the pilot seemed to be enjoying himself, flying his spindly aircraft repeatedly -- and recklessly -- overhead.

"He started buzzing the people on the course -- he'd go below the tree levels out there," said one golfer, Wayne Howard. "You couldn't even see him for a while."

Rostraver Police Chief Greg Resetar added the pilot also buzzed a neighboring soccer field ,where children were practicing. "He was flying low overtop of where the children were practicing or playing and that was in the high school area ... of the township," he said.

Believers in Karma -- or, well, Darwin -- may nod at this next part. As the pilot flew low over the Number 4 fairway, the ultralight became snagged in a ski lift wire overhead... sending the plane onto the green.

The pilot's OK, though he did suffer a broken arm and head injuries. When witnesses rushed to his aid, police say he refused their efforts, growing increasingly temperamental. He eventually agreed to be flown to an area hospital for treatment.

No word yet on possible charges.

IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: UNREG        Make/Model: ULTR      Description: UNREGISTERED ULTRALIGHT
  Date: 08/19/2008     Time: 1246

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

LOCATION
  City: MONONGAHELA   State: PA   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  UNREGISTERED ULTRALIGHT STRUCK SKI LIFT CABLE WIRES AND CRASHED OFF A GOLF
  COURSE, NEAR MONONGAHELA, PA

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

WEATHER: NOT REPORTED

OTHER DATA
  Activity: Unknown      Phase: Unknown      Operation: OTHER

  FAA FSDO: ALLEGHENY CO., PA  (EA03)             Entry date: 08/20/2008

FMI: www.faa.gov