Man accused to selling aircraft that weren't his to sell

[y_p_w]

Apparently his MO was to pretend to be an interested buyer, which he used to find out more info about the aircraft. Then he allegedly put them up for sale, but at lower prices to try and attract buyers. Not sure how he would get the keys though.

https://www.ktvu.com/news/concord-man-accused-trying-steal-airplanes-report​

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/0...rs-say-theyve-busted-a-serial-airplane-thief/​

But police have a different theory: they believe the man would contact airplane owners posing as an interested potential buyer, ask detailed questions about their plane, then use those details to set up fake online ads for the plane. To help ensure a sale, the planes would be offered at prices well below market value, authorities said. The end goal was to sell planes that weren’t really his, pocket the money and disappear, according to prosecutors.​

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Police say they found footage of the man accessing planes at the Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and that he was found in possession of several airplane keys and documents related to the sale of airplanes. The suspect is out on bail while his case is pending, and is next due in court on July 11, records show.​

 

[Owen Lucas]

Not sure how he would get the keys though.

Unless he stole the keys, he could have covertly copied them when inspecting the plane by using a duplicator kit and then had the soft alloy based dup cut onto a blank at a shop.

https://www.lockpickworld.com/products/professional-locksmiths-key-duplication-system

 

[wings&wheels]

Out on bail..... I understand the purpose of bail, and its not like he has the available means to leave the are say in a private airplane

 

[y_p_w]

Unless he stole the keys, he could have covertly copied them when inspecting the plane by using a duplicator kit and then had the soft alloy based dup cut onto a blank at a shop.

https://www.lockpickworld.com/products/professional-locksmiths-key-duplication-system

What I heard about prisoners was that they could often be adept at knowing the positions and then forming (by hand) keys out of whatever materials they could obtain.

In spy movies, I remember seeing fictional key copying by pressing a key into a mold. Not sure how it would be copied since it may not be that accurate once the mold is dry. I think that's more about getting the teeth positions.

 

[mk378]

It doesn't say that he has ever been a pilot. Though not knowing how to fly has not stopped others from trying to fly themselves away in stolen airplanes.

 

[Jdeere562]

It doesn't say that he has ever been a pilot. Though not knowing how to fly has not stopped others from trying to fly themselves away in stolen airplanes.

Richard Russell pulled it off quite well. Did barrel rolls and was pretty humorous to listen to on the tapes, I have heard them on YouTube.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Horizon_Air_Q400_incident

 

[Cujet]

For those who don't know, aircraft registered in the USA do not have titles like a car might. They are simply registered to an owner for $5, and that owner is then (generally) issued both a registration and Airworthiness Certificate. The latter requires the FAA to determine the aircraft is eligible and in a condition for safe operation.

A simple form AC 8050-2 is used to transfer ownership.

Maybe this guy was hoping to get a big check, and disappear. However, today's aircraft are tracked to any major location by ADSB and tail number, hangar mates are often nosy and FBO's have some control. I can't imagine he'd get away with more than a deposit, which in the aircraft world, are often small.

 

[GMBoy]

For those who don't know, aircraft registered in the USA do not have titles like a car might. They are simply registered to an owner for $5, and that owner is then (generally) issued both a registration and Airworthiness Certificate. The latter requires the FAA to determine the aircraft is eligible and in a condition for safe operation.

A simple form AC 8050-2 is used to transfer ownership.

Maybe this guy was hoping to get a big check, and disappear. However, today's aircraft are tracked to any major location by ADSB and tail number, hangar mates are often nosy and FBO's have some control. I can't imagine he'd get away with more than a deposit, which in the aircraft world, are often small.

When I sold my Cessna 172 Skyhawk it was a simple process - easier than a car!

If all he got was deposits that's still some good money over multiple "sales".

 

[jhellwig]

I would guess he is just getting a down payment before delivery or Ernest money then ghosting the buyer. No keys involved. Would still be a good chunk for a plane.