Pilot arrested after Auckland scare

A pilot who crashed into the sea off Auckland on Saturday night has been arrested after being discharged from hospital this morning.

Police said the 33 year-old unemployed Titirangi man will appear in the Auckland District Court today to face a charge of unlawfully taking an aircraft.

His arrest follows an incident on Saturday night when a light aircraft was allegedly stolen from Ardmore Airport and flown over Auckland city for about two hours, during which time a threat was allegedly made to fly the plane into the Sky Tower.

Police will request that the man be remanded in custody without plea and will oppose bail.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF