Stolen Cessna 172 Crashes Into Hangar at Van Nuys Airport, Suspect Arrested

December 20, 2025 at 05:40 AM•2 min read

[FAA](https://www.faa.gov) and [FBI](https://www.fbi.gov) are investigating a security breach at [Van Nuys Airport](https://www.iflyvny.com) after a

Key Points

1Suspect Ceffareno Michael Logan was arrested on charges of felony burglary and aircraft theft.
2The single-engine Cessna 172 was stolen from a flight school and crashed into a hangar while taxiing, never becoming airborne.
3The incident prompted a multi-agency investigation involving the FAA, FBI, and LAXPD due to the significant security breach.

Authorities arrested a man after a stolen Cessna 172 crash at Van Nuys Airport (VNY). The incident occurred early Thursday morning, December 18, 2025. The single-engine plane struck a hangar after being stolen from a flight school facility. This Van Nuys Airport security breach has prompted a federal investigation.

Incident Details and Suspect Arrest

Reports indicate the suspect trespassed onto a private leasehold around 4 a.m. He gained access to the light training aircraft. The plane, a Cessna 172, then collided with an adjacent hangar. This happened while the aircraft was taxiing on the ground. It never successfully became airborne.

The crash caused significant single-engine aircraft damage. It also left a large hole in the hangar structure. The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Ceffareno Michael Logan. Officers from the LAX Police Department (LAXPD) quickly responded. They took Logan into custody at the scene. He faces charges of burglary and aircraft theft Los Angeles.

Regulatory and Law Enforcement Response

The incident immediately triggered a multi-agency response. The FBI Los Angeles field office is assisting the LAXPD. The FAA investigation Van Nuys is also underway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft struck the building around 5 a.m. Investigations are focusing on two key areas:

Determining how the suspect breached airport security.
Assessing the full extent of the damage to the aircraft and infrastructure.

Security Implications for General Aviation

This event highlights potential vulnerabilities in general aviation airport security. Van Nuys Airport is one of the world's busiest general aviation hubs. It plays a critical role in reducing congestion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The theft of a plane, even a small one, is extremely rare. However, it raises serious questions for airport operators. Security protocols for ramp access and aircraft storage may need review. Protecting flight school assets is also a growing concern. This type of commercial aviation news is important for all industry stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Ceffareno Michael Logan arrest closes the initial phase of the incident. However, the long-term investigation continues. The FAA and FBI are working to prevent future security lapses. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of all general aviation airport operations. The damaged Cessna was removed for further examination.