Gilgil boy crashes into electric fence while trying to fly tycoon’s plane

Police are holding a teenager who attempted to fly a light aircraft in an incident that has baffled the Balolow suburbs of Gilgil, Nakuru County.

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Police are holding a teenager who attempted to fly a light aircraft in an incident that has baffled the Balolow suburbs of Gilgil, Nakuru County.

The youngster, with zero flying skills, walked into a tycoon's ranch and tried the nearly suicidal act.

A situational report by the investigators indicated at around 11:40am, a 17-year-old walked into an expansive farm, got into the spray aircraft and started the engine.

It was not immediately clear to the investigators how the youngster managed to gain entry into the hangar.

"It was reported by the owner of a spray aircraft registration number 5Y-AZA make PA25, and a resident of Balolow area within Ndume area of Gilgil around 9:30am, a stranger walked into the ranch and boarded the cabin of the plane parked at the yard (sic)," the police report indicated.

The report further said the teenager started the engine and taxied off the bay, but could not take off smoothly.

The youngster rammed into an electric fence, with the engine being blown off on impact, damaging the wheels.

"The propeller and front curling were damaged, with the suspect escaping unhurt," read the police added.

Gilgil sub-county police commander Francis Tumbo confirmed the incident, saying the dazed teenager was later arrested by the police.

"The teenager has been arrested and is in police custody aiding in investigations," said Mr Tumbo.

The police were yet to establish the motive of the daredevil act, with the incident becoming a talking point among unbelieving Gilgil residents.