Wednesday, January 06, 2021

Cottonwood Airport (P52), Yavapai County, Arizona

Skystar Kitfox Series 5 Vixen, N153PR



COTTONWOOD – Police are still on the lookout for a red and white airplane plucked from the Cottonwood Airport on New Year’s Eve. 

Just before midnight, thieves forced their way into the Cottonwood Airport and stole an airplane that was inside a box trailer, according to Cottonwood police.

“The trailer and plane have not been recovered,” Cottonwood police said Thursday.

“There was not much video surveillance at the airport. I was told the city purchased additional cameras to expand the areas that are monitored up there,” Cottonwood Det. Matthew Strickland said.

“The subjects entered the airport and stole a box trailer which contained an airplane. These subjects also stole airplane parts while inside,” police said. “The total loss is estimated between $70,000 - $80,000,” police said at the time.

“Subjects were able to gain entry into the Cottonwood Airport by disabling and forcing the main gate open,” police added.

The airport is surrounded by security fencing and signage.

“Federal agencies have been notified/utilized. As for the intended use of the stolen plane and parts, we can only speculate as to why it was stolen and for what purposes,” said Strickland.

He pointed out that the thieves took the time to steal compatible propellers for the plane. The photo on the plane provided by the police has the airplane number N153PR on the wing.

The Flight Safety Foundation Safety Network website, which put out an incident notice for the stolen plane, said it was a Skystar Kitfox Series 5 Vixen and is owned by a private pilot.

Anyone with information should contact the Cottonwood Police Department at (928) 649-1397. Yavapai Silent is offering an award of up to $450 for information leading to an arrest at 1-800-932—3232 or www.yavapaisw.com.





COTTONWOOD, Arizona — Police are searching for a stolen airplane from the Cottonwood Airport in Yavapai County.

Just before midnight on New Year's Eve, Cottonwood police say the suspects were able to gain entry into the airport by disabling and forcing the main gate open.

The suspects then entered the airport and stole a box trailer which contained an airplane. They also stole airplane parts while inside.

The total loss is estimated between $70,000 - $80,000.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Cottonwood Police Department at (928) 649-1397. You can also contact Yavapai Silent Witness which is offering an award up to $450 for information leading to an arrest.

Yavapai Silent Witness can be contacted at 1-800-932—3232 or www.yavapaisw.com.

3 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Totally. That was not a random theft. That trailer was targeted. The bigger mystery is why. Maybe drug runners looking for an easy aircraft to trailer hidden wherever they want to and fly it back and forth across the border? All they would have to do is paint it as a fictional landscape company trailer and nobody would give it a second look. Especially law enforcement.

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    2. Maybe those aluminum box sheets were turned in to a scrap yard for cash, the base trailer converted to unrecognizable flat bed mode and the airplane hulk will be found stripped in a few days. Simple to do locally and less chance of getting caught.

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