Posted 3/05/2004 04:27:00 PM by Douglas

It's a damn shame that Louis Kadlecek survived the crash.

The incident began early Sunday when Kadlecek, who'd been partying since his birthday Wednesday, stumbled into the Brazoria County Airport, where he'd performed community service as part of a sentence for a previous arrest.

He started up one plane and took it for a spin around the tarmac before deciding it would be too tough to fly, Brazoria County Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles Wagner told the newspaper.

Kadlecek apparently then set his sights lower, picking out a single-engine Cessna. He loaded it up with a case of stolen beer, threw the operator's manual open onto the seat beside him, and set off.

What a moron. He was looking for a memorable 21st birthday. Looks like he found one. Ironically, he'll be going somewhere he'll have lots of time to think about it.

The Cessna plunged 100 feet and crashed into a muddy field adjoining a local prison. Kadlecek got out, crossed a highway and walked three miles home.

Unfortunately for him, several people saw the crash. One man called 911, figured the pilot was dead and went on to his golf game. Others gave police a sketch of the mystery man.

He crashed into the field of a prison? What are the odds? It's good that there's one nearby, so his mom can visit him often. Also, it's good to hear that aircraft crashing into power lines isn't going to upset someone's golf game.

Welcome to jail, Louis.