Stolen small plane circles Vancouver airport as controllers ground flights

A stolen Cessna 172 caused a 39-minute shutdown of Vancouver International Airport’s airspace on Tuesday.

The plane took off from Victoria, circled over Vancouver, and forced controllers to reroute other aircraft, including a WestJet 737 that had to abort its landing.

The stolen plane landed safely and the lone pilot was arrested, CNN has reported.

Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or motive.

Written by B.C. Begley