2025 in review: The wildest aviation stories on GlobalAir.com

2025 was a mix of astonishing, tragic, and downright bizarre developments in the aviation world. From unusual landings to legal trouble and interesting discoveries, here are some of the wildest aviation stories of the year on GlobalAir.com. A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence before a scheduled flight. 53-year-old David Allsop was arrested at the Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) on Jan. 15. Body camera footage shows Allsop telling officers that he drank about 3 beers 10 hours before the flight. When asked about an alcohol-like smell, he showed he had nicotine patches in his mouth and a case of them in his bag. He later failed two of the three sobriety tests administered and refused to take a blood test. The FAA revoked his pilot's certification.RELATED STORY: Bodycam footage released of Southwest pilot's DUI arrest before takeoff Number two, an aircraft fighting wildfires in Los Angeles was damaged after a civilian drone hit it. The wing of the CL-415 "Super Scooper" was damaged, which put the aircraft out of service. The incident resulted in a temporary grounding of all aircraft responding to the fire and the FAA issuing a TFR from Jan. 9 to Jan 23 to ensure a safer environment for firefighting. Flying a drone amidst firefighting efforts is a federal crime and is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.RELATED STORY: Drone strike grounds plane fighting L.A. wildfires Investigators said moose meat was a contributing factor in a crash that killed the husband of a former state lawmaker in Alaska in 2023. The 2025 NTSB final report stated that moose meat, strapped into the rear passenger seat area of a Piper PA-18-150, caused the aircraft to be overweight and imbalanced from the antlers on the right wing. Eugene R. "Buzzy" Peltola Jr was flying the plane and initially survived when it crashed, but later died from his injuries. RELATED STORY: Overload of moose meat caused crash that killed former Rep. Mary Peltola's husbandIn Wyoming, an elk hunter found the missing pieces of a Citation CJ2 that had separated from the aircraft during an in-flight mishap back in 2019.RELATED STORY: Elk hunter finds missing Citation CJ2 engine cowling in Wyoming The debris appeared to be a lower engine cowling from an older Cessna Citation CJ2. The NTSB determined the incident was caused by incorrect mounting hardware used to secure the cowling, resulting in its separation. Six years later, the missing parts have now been found. In our 5th place spot, in April 2025, the NTSB released its findings for a 2023 helicopter crash that killed a 93-year-old man. The NTSB said it was likely the non-certified pilot was conducting an engine ground run on his Robinson R22 Beta when it became airborne and hit terrain. The fatal crash served as one of the year's more somber reminders of aviation hazards.RELATED STORY: NTSB: 93-year-old non-certificated pilot likely conducting ground run when R22 became airborne, crashed A Cessna Citation CJ4 crashed into a home in Mayfield, Kentucky, after the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft at the end of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the homeowner. The home was left significantly damaged. Records showed the jet was returning from maintenance in St. Louis. Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made aviation headlines when he revealed his Gulfstream G650 had to return home to Hawaii after the captain reported a hydraulics issue that prevented them from continuing the flight over the ocean. Johnson is co-owner of the United Football League and was heading to Houston for the opening of its second season. He took to social media to apologize to fans and to the teams. RELATED STORY: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Gulfstream G650 returns to Hawaii after mechanical issue Number 8, pilot Gary H. Wolfelt, 72, was killed May 5, 2025, when his Express 2000FT crashed near Polk, Ohio. Wolfelt had previously written his own obituary, reflecting on several near-death experiences, his passion for aviation and family, and urging donations to animal rescues instead of flowers. His obituary blended humor and gratitude as he looked back on a life he described as unpredictable but fulfilling.RELATED STORY: Pilot killed in crash wrote obituary to reflect on life, brushes with death A pilot was indicted for piloting an aircraft without a certificate, intimidating and interfering with a State investigator during a DOT OIG search warrant, and being a felon in possession of numerous firearms. Mississippi man, Christopher Douglas Showah's girlfriend was also arrested, accused of stealing a Corvette. After further questioning, it was determined that the Corvette was also tied to a stolen Piper Archer II, which investigators later recovered in Alabama.RELATED STORY: Pilot indicted for aviation, firearms charges after string of theft across states And rounding out the list, a Pilatus PC-12 landed with a tow bar still attached to the nose gear after the device was not removed before takeoff. The plane had taken off nearby and was diverted to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) where video showed the PC-12 landing on the runway and then tipping forward after slowing down, as emergency personnel arrived. RELATED STORY: WATCH: Pilatus PC-12 lands with tow bar attached to nose gear