A 30-year-old woman was arrested at Portland International Airport (PDX) on Saturday afternoon after she ran onto an active taxiway and climbed aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130 cargo plane. The incident occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. as the military aircraft was taxiing after landing.
Officials from the Port of Portland confirmed that military personnel detained the woman, identified as Adalaide Stone, before Port of Portland police officers took her into custody. She was subsequently booked into the Multnomah County Jail on multiple charges related to the security breach.
Key Takeaways
- A woman named Adalaide Stone, age 30, was arrested at Portland International Airport.
- The incident involved her running onto a taxiway and boarding a U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft.
- She was detained by military personnel and arrested by Port of Portland police.
- Stone faces charges of unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and second-degree criminal trespassing.
Details of the Airport Security Breach
The security incident began on Saturday afternoon when a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft landed at PDX. According to a statement from the Port of Portland, the plane was taxiing towards Atlantic Aviation, a fixed-base operator at the airport, when the event unfolded.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Adalaide Stone allegedly ran onto the restricted airfield area. She then approached the moving C-130 and managed to climb onto the aircraft. The flight crew immediately stopped the plane and military personnel on board detained her on the spot.
Understanding Airport Taxiways
Airport taxiways are paved paths used by aircraft to move between runways, terminals, and maintenance areas. Access to these areas is highly restricted and controlled by air traffic controllers to prevent collisions and ensure operational safety. Unauthorized entry onto a taxiway is a serious federal offense.
Port of Portland police officers were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they took custody of Stone from the military crew. Officials noted that the quick actions of the Air Force personnel prevented any further escalation of the situation and ensured there was no disruption to other airport operations.
Law Enforcement Response and Charges
Following her detainment, law enforcement identified the woman as 30-year-old Adalaide Stone. Responding officers were told by the military personnel that Stone "appeared disoriented and alone" at the time of the incident.
After being processed by the Port of Portland Police Department, Stone was transported to the Multnomah County Jail. She was officially booked on two charges: unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and criminal trespassing in the second degree. These charges reflect the unauthorized access to both a restricted area and a vehicle.
The Aircraft Involved: C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It has been in continuous production longer than any other military aircraft. Known for its versatility, it can operate from rough, dirt strips and is used for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and cargo delivery.
The investigation into how Stone gained access to the airfield is ongoing. Airports maintain multiple layers of security, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and access control points, to prevent such unauthorized entries. A full review of the incident will likely be conducted to identify and address any potential security vulnerabilities.
Implications of Airfield Incursions
Unauthorized access to an active airfield, known as an airfield incursion, poses significant risks to aviation safety. The presence of a person on a taxiway or runway can interfere with aircraft movements, potentially leading to catastrophic accidents. Federal regulations strictly prohibit unauthorized entry into secure airport areas.
"The safety and security of our airport is our top priority," a Port of Portland spokesperson said in a prepared statement. "We are working with our federal partners and law enforcement to fully investigate this matter."
Individuals who breach airport security face serious legal consequences. Beyond local charges like trespassing, federal charges can also be applied, carrying severe penalties including substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set the security standards for all U.S. airports.
Previous Airport Security Incidents
While rare, incidents of individuals gaining unauthorized access to airfields have occurred at other airports in the United States. These events typically trigger comprehensive reviews of security protocols.
- In most cases, intruders are quickly apprehended by airport police or operations staff.
- Investigations often focus on the perimeter security and whether any fences or gates were compromised.
- The mental state of the individual is also a key factor that investigators consider, as noted in the initial report about Stone appearing "disoriented."
The Port of Portland has not released further details about the specific point of entry or the motivations behind the incident. As the case proceeds through the legal system, more information may become available. For now, the event serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance in maintaining the security of critical transportation infrastructure.
