04.02.2026 21:53
Christian Estoque, a man who stole a plane from an airport in Washington state, was caught by the FBI after flying the plane to another state. Estoque, who admitted to being under the influence of drugs during the first flight and did not have a pilot's license, was charged with operating an unregistered aircraft in a federal court in Los Angeles.
A person who stole a plane without permission from Washington state in the U.S. was caught by the FBI after flying the aircraft to a different state. Federal investigation officials shared shocking details about the incident with the public.
STOLEN FROM AUBURN, FOUND IN CALIFORNIA
According to police reports, the suspect, 38-year-old Christian Estoque, took a single-engine plane without permission from Auburn Municipal Airport in Washington on January 3. The plane was found a few days later at Corona Municipal Airport. According to FAA radar data, the plane's "transponder" device was manipulated to hide its flight path.
CAUGHT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STEAL A SECOND PLANE
In an investigation conducted by the FBI's Los Angeles office, a second attempt to steal a plane in Corona led to the suspect's capture. On January 27, Estoque was caught by FBI agents while attempting to steal a second plane that had not been registered for a long time.
NO PILOT LICENSE
Federal documents reported that Estoque did not have a pilot license and admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine during the first flight. Authorities stated that the suspect lacked the necessary permits and training to operate the aircraft.
Estoque was formally charged in Los Angeles federal court with "operating an unregistered aircraft" and similar charges. The suspect, who had his first hearing on January 29, was released on bail, and the investigation is ongoing.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
In addition to the FBI, local police in California and Washington, as well as federal aviation and security units, are working together to clarify the incident. Authorities aim to raise public awareness against similar aircraft thefts.