Private plane stolen and crashed at the Rockcliffe Airport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 15, 2023  11:10 am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service East Investigations Unit has charged a man following the theft of an airplane from the Rockcliffe Airport.

Police received a call for service about a single plane crash at Rockcliffe Airport last evening at 6:39 p.m.

A man gained access to the grounds and stole a privately owned aircraft. He attempted to fly the plane from the airport but gained minimal air and then crashed, striking two parked planes in the process.

The man was arrested on the scene and transported to hospital with minor injuries.

The Transportation Safety Board was contacted, but the investigation was referred to the Ottawa Police Service due to the criminal nature of the incident.

The airport was temporarily closed to all outbound and inbound air traffic for the investigation.

A 64-year-old man, of Ottawa has been charged with the following:

-          Theft exceeding $5000

-          Dangerous operation of a conveyance

-          Operation while prohibited

He is expected to appear in court today.

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