Thief Topples Helicopter In Airport Break-In, FBI Investigating

At least four helicopters were damaged during the break-in at Sacramento Executive Airport.

Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 01:54 PM ET

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Four helicopters were damaged, including a Bell 429 helicopter that the thieves got off the ground and subsequently crashed. [Credit: Aung Kaung Myat]

Key Takeaways:

Several helicopters were damaged, and one was crashed after being briefly flown, during a break-in at Sacramento Executive Airport on March 15.
The rare and shocking incident is under investigation by Sacramento police and the FBI, with experts suggesting malicious intent over a joyride due to the complexity of operating helicopters.
The event raises discussions about airport security and accountability, with perpetrators facing severe federal and state charges for aircraft piracy and malicious damage.

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Early on the morning of March 15, someone broke into several helicopters at Sacramento Executive Airport (KSAC) and crashed one of them on the ramp. Four helicopters were damaged, including a Bell 429 helicopter that the thieves got off the ground and subsequently crashed.

The break-in occurred at about 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Sacramento Bee reported. Sacramento police are investigating the incident, along with the FBI.