Captain Paul's thoughts:
Let's think for a moment about one of the worst-kept secrets in aviation. Most of the aircraft I trained in had lock mechanisms equivalent to the ones you find securing inexpensive storage sheds. The other aircraft didn't use locks and keys at all; just a starter button or switch. We rely on unfamiliarity to protect our aircraft, and to some extent, the public.
Going for a night cross-country? OK, Paul; the keys are under the seat in the binder or, the hangar code is 1-2-3-4. What's our potential liability here? Does this constitute negligence, or perhaps even gross negligence, depending on the circumstances? I suggest that mitigation of this risk is quite simple. Change your hangar combinations regularly, and perhaps install a control lock with a decent level of security in the aircraft itself. I've seen some configurations used by the Civil Air Patrol that even cover up expensive avionics! I think this problem could quite literally "go away" at very little cost and effort.
Nota Bene: My comments above have no direct relationship with the article posted below, as I do not know the fact set related to the accident aircraft. My comments are to be taken generally, rather than applied to this or any other specific incident. No criticism of any individual or entity is intended.
And now this, from AvWeb --
Pilot Dies In Crash Of Stolen Plane
For the second time in a week, Canadian authorities are investigating a crash involving an apparently stolen aircraft, this time with tragic consequences. The Piper Tomahawk crashed on a main street in Peterborough, Ontario, about 1:30 a.m. local time Friday. The pilot and lone occupant was killed in the crash. The plane hit an illuminated sign and street lights before hitting Lansdowne Street. The aircraft belonged to a man in Markham, Ontario, about 60 miles from Peterborough and was being flown without his knowledge, according to authorities.
The pilot was reportedly in his 20s and it’s not clear whether he had any formal flight training. Last week, a Newfoundland man allegedly took a relative’s Cessna 180 on floats for a joyride and crashed it on shore but he wasn’t seriously injured. In Peterborough, witnesses said it appeared the pilot was trying to land on the street, which didn’t have much traffic at that hour. The aircraft had fuel but it’s not yet known if there were technical issues. The pilot’s identity hasn’t been released.
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