Suspended 200 Days For Flying A Damaged Airplane

Oahu flight instructor Timothy Thrasher, the owner of Flight School Hawaii, had just completed a trip from Honolulu to Hilo when he allegedly hit a sign while taxiing at the Hilo airport. The collision with the "Transient Aircraft Parking" sign caused significant damaged the right wingtip of the Piper Aztec, making a sizable dent in the wing and tearing its aluminum skin.

File Photo

Thrasher flew the damaged plane, and two family members, back to Honolulu, which was the basis for the FAA's suspension of his flying priveleges.

Hawaii News Now (KGMB/KHNL) reports that FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said the FAA determined the pilot was "reckless as to endanger the life and property of another," and handed him a 200 day suspension. "Our investigation determined that plane was not airworthy and should not have been flown in the condition it's in," Gregor said.

Thrashed did not wish to commend on what he told the station was a "minor incident", but the FAA obviously doesn't see it that way. Thrasher said he flew the plane back because, after 28 years as a pilot, he did not think the damage was that significant.

The station also reports that the local law enforcement has opened a possible criminal investigation to determine if Thrasher filed a false report. He allegedly told law enforcement officials that the airplane was fine when he left it, and it was damaged on his return. A witness who says they saw the incident disputes Thrashers claim, and was the person who contacted the FAA.

Thrasher will begin serving his 200 day suspension when he surrenders his license to the FAA. He will still be allowed to operate his business.

FMI: http://hawaii.gov/ito