A Maryland pilot was sentenced Friday in Lancaster County Court for attempting to fly from the Lancaster Airport last year after drinking whiskey.
Seth Dapaah, 42, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of flying while impaired – for being under the influence of alcohol and for acting as a pilot within eight hours of drinking alcohol.
Dapaah will serve three days to 23 months in prison; his prison sentence will begin on March 29. He also was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and undergo drug/alcohol counseling and treatment.
Video evidence showed Dapaah drinking Scotch whiskey at a bar/restaurant next to the airport on April 21, 2018, according to facts outlined by Assistant District Attorney Ande Gonzalez.
Manheim Township police, responding to tips, stopped Dapaah before he took off in his Cherokee 180. Dapaah had started the plane’s engine – the propeller was moving on the runway.
When police stopped Dapaah they noticed an odor of alcohol, and Dapaah’s eyes were bloodshot and watery.
Dapaah was unsteady on his feet and refused to perform a Breathalyzer test.
He intended to fly to Washington D.C.
Lancaster County President Judge Dennis Reinaker accepted the plea terms and ordered sentence.
The Federal Aviation Administration has revoked Dapaah’s pilot license.
Manheim Township police Officer Bradley Redinger filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright
