pyle@ut-ngp.UUCP (09/03/83)
I dug through my stack of newspapers waiting to be recycled and found the AP story regarding the downing of the two cargo planes. There seems to be a bit more to this than was evident in the first net item posted. Quoting from the Austin American Statesman, Thursday, August 25, 1983: "Two Laredo-based cargo planes flying electronics equipment into Mexico were shot down by Mexican Customs officials earlier this month after tips from the U.S. Customs Service, two newspapers here [Laredo] report." "Neither pilot was injured, but both planes were destroyed." "Pilot Bill Nelson said his bonded flight was properly registered with an American customs house broker in Hidalgo, a flight plan had been filed and landing permission received from the destination airport in Torreon, Nuevo Leon, according to a Wednesday story in the Laredo Morning Times." "Although he was carrying goods legally, Nelson's plane was shot down Aug. 12, crash landed and he escaped across the border, pursued by Mexican authorities, Nelson told the Times." "Walter Ernst, Federal Aviation Administration officer in San Antonio, confirmed that the DC-3 was properly certified. Ernst said information on the incident, including flight plans and manifest, had been forwarded to Washington." The article continues, describing the downing of the second aircraft, although it does not mention whether it too was certified. I'm neither a pilot or a lawyer, but it does seem strange that the Customs Service should be involved in "setting-up" these pilots, at least one of whom was carrying legal, certified goods. Furthermore, to shoot down either craft seems a bit excessive.