HOUSTON -- The Federal Aviation Administration is close to completing its investigation into a low-flying plane that buzzed people Saturday on the Bolivar Peninsula between Crystal Beach and High Island, 11 News’ Jeremy Desel reported.
It is a federal violation to operate a plane lower than 1,000 feet in a populated area. The FAA began the investigation after it received a number of complaints, including one from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
"My first thought was what was he thinking? Why would you even do such a thing even as a joke," said Jonathan Sonier, who witnessed the incident.
Federal investigators said they are still trying to contact the man flying the plane -- it was identified by witnesses as N134PS. Now investigators say they know who was flying the plane based on accounts from witnesses.
"I seen the guys eyes, I made eye contact with him and he smiled, and at that point I realized this is nothing dangerous, at least as far as the aircraft about to crash," said Terry Rodery, one of the witnesses.
Rodery said he is 99 percent sure that who he saw behind the stick of N134PS is Bryan Kirbow, of Beaumont. FAA records show that Kirbow is the owner of the plane that buzzed the beach.
On Kirbow’s Facebook page there are photos of him and his aircraft, including shots with him wearing a red hat and sunglasses. Those are the same accessories worn by the pilot in the photos that witnesses said they captured from Saturday’s incident.
The Facebook page also reveals an exchange about flying questionable maneuvers. It said: "We want to make such low Passes your mom would have a fit."
Investigators say the evidence shows that the plane flew below 50 feet and witnesses said it seemed as low as 10 to 20 feet.
“I think at the very least he should lose his license. He has no right to endanger the lives of so many people," Rodery said.
The FAA says that is the stiffest penalty in a case like this.
11 News tried to reach Kirbow and had no success.
