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A late-night police pursuit in New Hampshire ended with a teenager driving through an airport fence and into a parked plane, leaving a damaged aircraft and a long list of charges. The incident has raised questions about pursuit tactics, airport perimeter security, and the risks of drunk driving.
How the chase reached Portsmouth International Airport
State troopers say the episode began shortly after 8 p.m. on August 29 while officers searched for a vehicle tied to other crimes. A trooper spotted a black 2008 Ford Mustang and attempted a routine stop.
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Instead of stopping, the Mustang fled. Troopers say the car raced without headlights and soon breached the airport boundary.
- Vehicle: 2008 Ford Mustang, reported as a black coupe.
- Time: About 8:09 p.m., August 29.
- Location: Portsmouth International Airport, New Hampshire.
Sequence of collisions on the airfield
Once inside the airfield, the driver reportedly struck ground equipment before slamming into a stationary aircraft.
Police accounts indicate the Mustang first hit a tractor on the apron. Seconds later, it collided with a Pilatus PC-12 that was parked and awaiting maintenance.
Visible aftermath from video and photos
Footage shared from the scene shows a Mustang mangled beyond simple repair. The car came to rest near the aircraft with heavy front-end damage.
No other people were reported injured at the scene. The driver was taken into custody and taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
Damage to the Pilatus PC-12 and financial stakes
PlaneSense, the operator of the struck aircraft, confirmed the plane was parked for routine service when the impact occurred.
- Aircraft type: Pilatus PC-12.
- Damage reported: Collapsed left wing and left landing gear.
- Potential cost: PC-12s can be seven-figure assets; wing and gear damage can be extremely costly to repair.
Experts note that repairs involving structural components and landing gear often require lengthy inspections and certified parts. Even when the airfield remained open, restoring the aircraft to service could be time-consuming and expensive.
Airport operations and security implications
Despite the breach, airport officials reported the field stayed operational and flights continued. That decision surprised some observers.
An intrusion that reaches the apron raises serious security questions. Perimeter fences are designed to prevent vehicle access to aircraft movement areas. The crash exposed a vulnerability troopers and airport managers will likely review.
Arrest, identity, and criminal charges
Police identified the driver as 17-year-old Wyatt Seely from Rochester, New Hampshire.
He faces multiple charges related to the pursuit, the alleged intoxication, and the collision.
- Aggravated DWI (misdemeanor)
- DWI
- Disobeying a police officer
- Conduct after an accident
- Violation-level reckless driving
Seely is scheduled for arraignment in Portsmouth District Court on September 9. Authorities say alcohol was involved in the incident.
Why the case matters beyond the crash
Incidents like this overlap public-safety, legal, and aviation concerns. A single lapse in judgment during a police pursuit can produce high-cost damages and create a complex legal case.
- Police-pursuit policy and risk assessment will likely be reviewed.
- Airport security procedures may be tightened to prevent vehicle intrusions.
- Aircraft operators face operational disruptions and expensive repairs.
The outcome of the criminal case and the repair estimates for the PC-12 will be followed closely by local officials and the aviation community.
