Man Charged for Disrupting Services at Philadelphia International Airport

Drove Car on Runway as Airplane Approached for Landing

Kenneth Richard Mazik, 24, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, was charged today by criminal complaint with disrupting the services of Philadelphia International Airport and in so doing endangering the safety at that airport, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

In the affidavit accompanying the complaint, Special Agent Megan MacDonald of the FBI alleged that on March 1, 2012, at approximately 11 a.m., Mazik crashed his black Jeep Grand Cherokee through a locked gate on the perimeter of the airport as an airplane was approaching for landing. After entering the airport area, Mazik then turned onto runway 9R, which was the same runway toward which the incoming airplane was approaching. Mazik then drove down the runway at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, with the airplane approaching from his rear. The airplane was quickly diverted and placed in a holding pattern. The affidavit states that airport personnel estimated that the airplane was approximately 500 feet above the runway when it was diverted and placed in a holding pattern.

SA MacDonald’s affidavit further alleges that Mazik continued to drive his Cherokee even after the Philadelphia police began pursuing him. Finally, Mazik stopped on a taxiway adjacent runway 27R. The affidavit notes that Mazik resisted arrest when officers tried to put him in a holding cell, causing injury to two officers. Mazik’s actions caused significant disruption to the operation and services of the airport and caused financial expense and losses.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Albert S. Glenn.