Ex-Student Pilot Sentenced for Stolen Airplane Flight Across States

A former student pilot has been sentenced to more than a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to flying a stolen airplane from Georgia across multiple states. On September 17, Rufus Crane received a one year and one day prison term, followed by three years of supervised release, for one count of interstate transportation of a stolen aircraft—a crime that carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Crane admitted in court to taking a Beechcraft Bonanza A-36 from Perry-Houston County Airport in Perry, Georgia, on the night of May 3, 2024. According to prosecutors, he flew the aircraft to JAARS-Townsend Airport in Waxhaw, North Carolina, turning off the transponder during the flight to conceal its location, altitude, and speed. Court records also show he stopped for fuel at a South Carolina airport before attempting to return to Perry. Fog prevented him from landing safely, and he diverted to Cochran Municipal Airport before eventually bringing the plane back to its hangar.

In addition to the prison sentence, Crane was ordered to pay $875 in restitution to Perry-Houston County Airport, The Macon Telegraph reported.

Federal authorities highlighted the case as a rare example of interstate aircraft theft and praised local and federal investigators for their coordination. The sentencing closes a case that began with a risky nighttime flight across state lines and ended with a plea agreement that spared Crane the maximum penalty.


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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avweb.com