Stolen plane from Thunder Bay lands on Missouri highway

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By KBJR News 1

Story Published: Apr 6, 2009 at 8:30 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 29, 2009 at 11:36 AM CST

A stolen airplane from Thunder Bay, Ontario that had U.S. defense Officials on high alert throughout Monday, landed on a Missouri highway.

Spokespeople say a student at a flight school stole the aircraft and took off. The plane continued to fly towards Madison and that's when two F-16 fighter jets fighter intercepted the stolen Cessna

"They tried to get his attention, they got his attention...and then he continued to fly somewhat erratically until he got just outside of St. Louis," said Michael Kucharek, NORAD spokesperson.

Officials from NORAD say the stolen plane is a Cessna 172. As that plane made its way across the state, the state capitol building in Madison was evacuated as a precaution. The Mosinee Regional airport was also put on alert as the incident continued to unfold.

"He was not under any authority to fly within Canada or outside Canada. He did not file a flight plan," said Kucharek.

Officials say the plane had the potential to make it to New Orleans given its fuel capacity. Spokespeople say no warning shots were fired at the plane.

Friday, Apr 10 at 9:02 AM Sean wrote ...

Buying into the whole fear propaganda (not mentioning any names....uh, Dan)? Planes can easily fly across any North American border and going any direction. But you are right. This was planned. The man was suicidal and left a goodbye note for his girlfriend. If anything, he was terrorizing himself.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 11:35 AM dan wrote ...

You can bet this action was being watched by someone out there in al Qaeda-land. Now they know they can hijack a Canadian plane and hop over the border. This action was planned. This is a test. For the next ........,

Tuesday, Apr 7 at 4:48 AM Ron wrote ...

Imagine his shock when he saw F-16's approach him! LOL! A WHOLE lot more frightening than getting pulled over by the police for speeding, that's for sure!

Tuesday, Apr 7 at 4:22 AM Amber wrote ...

can't blame the student for wanting to get out of the city though

Tuesday, Apr 7 at 4:20 AM Amber wrote ...

Stupid people are going to do stupid things- no matter where they hail from. ...As demonstrated here! Thunder Bay is a way nice City. There's just not so much to do here! lol

Tuesday, Apr 7 at 12:33 AM College student wrote ...

He was likely trying to get away from Judi Maundrell-- the College VP-- I hear she is a real *&(*&

Monday, Apr 6 at 11:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I grew up in Duluth, and visited Thunder Bay numerous times.... I'll tell you one thing, the people up there are a hell of alot nicer than they are here.

Monday, Apr 6 at 11:06 PM Dee Dee Darryl wrote ...

Bahaha, I see people do stupider things in Duluth everyday. Reality check!!

Monday, Apr 6 at 10:35 PM sheena wrote ...

haha, was he dared! cause people from tbay do stupid things when they are dared...lol

Monday, Apr 6 at 10:20 PM jeff boire wrote ...

I grew up in Thunder Bay. And I can truly say that Iv seen dumber things happen there.

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