OWNER OF AIRCRAFT REPAIR BUSINESS PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD AND THEFT CHARGES

Martin C. Carlson, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian D. Snyder, age 26, of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, the owner of “Smooth Landings” and “Always Airborne” pleaded guilty in federal court in Williamsport to fraud involving aircraft parts and interstate transportation of stolen property. As a result of the guilty plea, Snyder faces up to 25 years in prison and fines totaling $750,000.

Snyder operated an aircraft repair business known as Smooth Landings and Always Airborne out of the Northumberland County Airport in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Between November of 2002 and January 2008 Snyder admitted that he falsified numerous entries on aircrafts’ log books related to inspections and repairs. Snyder was not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to perform inspections until April 2005 and had his license revoked in October 2006. Snyder admitted he forged the names of mechanics who were licensed, back-dated entries, and falsified entries to conceal thefts and unauthorized replacements of aircraft parts on aircraft he was repairing. Two-hundred and forty-seven entries were falsified involving 66 separate aircraft.

Snyder also admitted that in May 2007 he stole a Piper PA-32 airplane from an airport in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and flew it back to the Northumberland Airport in Elysburg. Snyder subsequently sold the plane for $60,000.

The Federal Aviation Administration is in the process of notifying the owners of any aircraft inspected or repaired by Snyder to advise that safety hazards may exist due to Snyder’s improper inspections and repairs. If you are the owner of such an aircraft and have not been notified, you may contact FAA Inspector James Pool at (717) 774-8271, Ext. 231 or FAA Inspector Richard Thomas at Ext. 230.

“This case demonstrates that ensuring the safety of the Nation’s air transportation system remains a high priority for both the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Transportation (DOT),” said Ned Schwartz, Special Agent-In-Charge, DOT OIG. “Working with Federal Aviation Administration officials and our prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue our efforts to uncover and bring to justice those who seek to compromise by fraud the integrity of DOT’s safety program.”

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Federal Aviation Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Bruce Brandler is handling the prosecution.

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