PLATTSBURGH — A Vermont man is facing charges after he allegedly faked a plane crash at Plattsburgh International Airport and disrupted a commercial-flight landing.
According to the Clinton County Sheriff's Department, Nicholas Santo was recently taking off from the local runway in a private Cessna as an inbound Cape Air flight from Boston prepared to land.
As the commercial plane full of passengers approached, the runway lights were intensified for the impending landing.
But as the large aircraft neared, Santo began radioing in that the runway lights were blinding and claimed they were being used improperly, causing his plane to crash and veer into a snowbank, where it flipped over.
The report of the crash diverted the Cape Air flight and sent emergency personnel and sheriff's deputies searching for the wreckage.
Soon, they determined there had never been a crash and that the Cessna took off without incident.
The Cape Air flight landed safely a short time later.
This week, deputies charged Santo with a felony count of second-degree falsely reporting an incident and second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor.
The 50-year-old Burlington man was released from custody after his arrest and will appear in Plattsburgh Town Court later this month to face the charges.
The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration and airport management also assisted in the investigation.
E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com
Local News
Police: Man faked plane crash at Plattsburgh International
- Local News
-
-
ELCS grad develops computer game
Colden Prime's creation takes players on an adventure to rescue a kidnapped grandfather.
-
Economic development councils begin third round
The North Country will be competing for a share of $760 million in state funding and tax credits.
-
Accused Booster Club embezzler pleads not guilty
Deborah A. Perry's case adjourned until June 10.
-
Flood victims face long process
State Emergency Management officials meet with Lower Park Street residents in Malone to outline what grants are available, but it may take years to get any money.
-
Terms set for Tourism Committee members
The Franklin County panel were assigned their terms by legislators who will have final say in what initiatives are funded by tax dollars and any future bed-tax funds.
-
Two compete for one Saranac Central Board seat
School Board president unopposed. Daniel Ashline-Beaudet challenges long-time board member Lori Saunders.
-
Two vie for one seat on AVCS board
One incumbent and one challenger are on the ballot.
-
Locals felt Friday morning earthquake
The 5.2 temblor was centered near Shawville, Quebec.
-
Malone woman critically injured in Friday crash
Marlene LeRoy's vehicle struck a manure spreader head-on, police say.
-
Of Interest: May 18, 2013
A brief look at news of note from around the North Country.
-
Time to officially welcome summer
Find out what's new at the North Country's two regional amusement parks.
- May 17, 2013
-
City Dems back mayor, council candidates
Party snubs incumbent Ward 1 Common Council member.
-
Keene, North Hudson lose appeal
The Ausable Club's reduction of its tax assessments in Keene and North Hudson has been upheld in the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court.
-
Plattsburgh man charged with robbery
City man was allegedly robbed at gunpoint on Brinkerhoff Street early Wednesday morning.
-
Embezzler, arsonist sentencings postponed
A man who tried to burn down part of Port Henry's business district and a woman who embezzled thousands from her Moriah employer both had their sentencings postponed to June.
-
Grand juror arrested
Paul Jock Jr. allegedly disclosed secret information about drug cases while serving in Franklin County.
-
Four seek Ti School Board seats
Three incumbents and one challenger are seeking election to the three open seats.
-
ELCS grad develops computer game
