Naval Base Locked Down Twice After Man Landed Private Plane On Airstrip

A high-security U.S. Navy base on San Clemente Island was forced into lockdown twice after Andrew Kyle White, a 37-year-old from San Diego, landed his private plane on the military's airstrip without permission. White, flying a Glastar airplane, first landed on the island in October 2023, despite being informed it was illegal to do so without Navy permission. On his second unauthorized visit on April 6, he stole a Navy-owned Ford F-150 truck and caused significant damage while driving around the island.

The incident led to a complete base-wide lockdown, consuming nearly 500 man-hours and costing the Navy approximately $500,000. White's actions resulted in a felony charge for theft of government property and a misdemeanor for illegal entry into a naval installation. He pleaded guilty to both charges, as reported by the Navy Times.

During his joyride, White crashed the truck into locked gates, causing over $8,000 in damages. He evaded capture overnight and was detained the next morning after being spotted on security footage.

White's attorney argued that his curiosity led to the incidents and requested a sentence of time served. However, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison for theft and six months for illegal entry. The government is seeking a lighter sentence of six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. As part of his plea agreement, White agreed to avoid San Clemente Island and relinquish his pilot's license, according to Newsbreak. His sentencing is scheduled for September 29.