Overview

• The 1958 Cessna Skyhawk vanished twice in late July, reappearing undamaged at Brackett Field and then at San Gabriel Valley Airport after each theft.
• FlightAware data show unauthorized flights of 22 minutes on July 26 and 51 minutes near Palm Springs on July 27.
• Corona, La Verne and El Monte police have no surveillance footage or suspects and logged the case on a stolen-car report form due to the rarity of aircraft theft.
• Safe landings, a replaced battery and a left-behind headset indicate the thief has both piloting expertise and mechanical skills.
• Despite extensive tracking and security measures, Jason Hong and investigators remain without any clear motive or leads identifying the mystery pilot.