The pilot in charge during a forbidden Red Bull plane-swapping stunt said Friday he takes full responsibility for the ensuing crash over the Arizona desert.
"I made the personal decision to move forward with plane swap. I regret not sharing this information with my team and those who supported me," Aikins wrote.Aikins and another pilot flew separate single-engine Cessna 182 airplanes up to 14,000 feet Sunday eveningto promote the energy drink company. They tried to switch planes as the aircraft descended.
One plane spun out of control and crashed near Eloy, roughly 65 miles southeast of Phoenix. The pilot was able to parachute out safely. The second pilot regained control of the other plane and landed safely. It was not clear what possible penalties Aikins could face. Elizabeth Isham Cory, an FAA spokeswoman, said the agency does not comment on open investigations. But the FAA provided a copy of a letter denying Aikins’ request.
Aikins had petitioned for an exemption from the rule that pilots must be at the helm with safety belts fastened at all times. He argued the stunt would "be in the public interest because it would promote aviation in science, technology, engineering and math."Red Bull, known for organizing wild promotional stunts, said in a statement it looks forward to continuing to work with Aikins.
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