“Brazen Theft Caught on Surveillance: White Pickup Truck Hauls Away Custom Airstream Trailer with Beloved 1948 Piper PA-15 Aircraft”
Torrance, CA – In a daring heist captured on surveillance footage, a cherished vintage airplane belonging to Anis Pradhan, a dedicated flight instructor, was stolen from a Torrance warehouse parking lot on the 22800 block of Lockness Avenue. The incident occurred on the night of January 3, 2024, at 8:15 p.m., when a thief hitched the custom Airstream trailer containing the 1948 Piper PA-15 aircraft to a white pickup truck and made a swift escape.
The Stolen Aircraft:
The vintage airplane, meticulously restored by Pradhan over the past decade, held immense sentimental value as it was not only his passion project but also intended for a noble cause. Pradhan had devoted years to rebuilding the 1940s-era Piper PA-15/17, a U.S.-made two-seater aircraft, measuring 22 feet in length, 35 feet in width, and weighing over 1,000 pounds. Its unique feature allowed the wings to fold up, enabling storage within the custom-built Airstream trailer.
Owner’s Heartbreak:
Heartbroken by the theft, Pradhan shared, “All my work for all these years just disappeared in a matter of a few minutes, which is heart-wrenching.” The vintage aircraft was more than a possession; it represented Pradhan’s mission to train underprivileged children in aviation, particularly in his home country, Nepal. The nonprofit organization he collaborated with, the National Innovation Center in Nepal, aimed to use the plane for educational purposes.
Surveillance Footage:
CCTV footage from the night of the theft revealed the suspect breaking a lock pad on the gate, entering the premises, and swiftly pulling the trailer away. Pradhan, a certified flight instructor, had noticed suspicious individuals in the parking lot a month prior, indicating potential premeditation.
Call for Public Assistance: The devastated owner is now conducting his own search for any clues regarding the whereabouts of the stolen aircraft. He appeals to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information to contact Pradhan Aircraft Works Inc. at 3425 Airport Dr. STE. E, Torrance, CA, 90505, email contact@pradhanaircraft.works, or phone (562) 673-8994.
Community Support:
As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community and local residents rally to support Pradhan in recovering his beloved vintage airplane and salvaging the philanthropic mission it was intended for.
Media Coverage:
The high-profile theft of Anis Pradhan’s vintage airplane has gained widespread media coverage, with major news outlets such as NBC, ABC7 and KTLA5 reporting on the incident. The brazen theft, caught on surveillance, has captivated the attention of the public, aviation enthusiasts, and local communities alike.
Online Movement:
In an effort to bring awareness to the situation and garner support, Pradhan’s story has reached beyond traditional news platforms. Several Nepali YouTubers have taken an active interest in the matter, conducting interviews with Anis Pradhan to shed light on the personal and philanthropic significance of the stolen aircraft. These interviews, accessible on YouTube, provide a more in-depth look into Pradhan’s dedication to aviation education and the devastating impact of the theft on his years of hard work.
Global Concern:
The involvement of Nepali YouTubers not only amplifies the reach of the story but also serves as a testament to the global community’s concern for Pradhan’s cause. The online interviews contribute to a growing online movement seeking justice for the stolen vintage airplane and supporting Pradhan in his mission to train underprivileged children in Nepal.
Public Collaboration:
As the news continues to spread through various media channels, the hope is that increased visibility will lead to valuable information about the whereabouts of the stolen Piper PA-15 aircraft. Public collaboration and awareness, fueled by both traditional news outlets and online platforms, remain crucial in the ongoing efforts to recover the vintage airplane and preserve the philanthropic goals attached to it.