Penngrove man accused of flying plane while drunk

PETALUMA, Calif. -- A man is under arrest on suspicion of piloting a plane while intoxicated.

Authorities say two California Highway Patrol officers spotted a plane flying too low over Highway 37 in Sonoma County on Tuesday afternoon. They followed the plane to Petaluma Municipal Airport, where it landed.

A 62-year-old man got off the plane and was confronted by the officers, who smelled alcohol on his breath. He was arrested after failing a sobriety test.

According to the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa, the officers estimated the plane had been flying as low as 50 feet and within 100 feet of highway traffic -- a federal violation.

The Penngrove man was booked on suspicion of operating an aircraft under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and in a reckless manner. His name has not been released.

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