Pilot Suspected Of Flying Drunk Arrested In Petaluma

PETALUMA (CBS SF) - A man is under arrest on suspicion of piloting a plane while intoxicated.

Authorities said two California Highway Patrol officers spotted a plane flying too low over Highway 37 in Sonoma County on Tuesday afternoon. They followed the plane to Petaluma Municipal Airport, where it landed.

A 62-year-old man got off the plane and was confronted by the officers, who smelled alcohol on his breath. He was arrested after failing a sobriety test.

The officers estimated the plane had been flying as low as 50 feet and within 100 feet of highway traffic—a federal violation.

The Penngrove man was booked on suspicion of operating an aircraft under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and in a reckless manner. His name has not been released.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)