TV stunt at Auckland airport backfires after fake pilot and two men are charged
One of the men, in pilot’s costume, had attempted to enter a secure area in the domestic terminal before being turned away by airport staff.
Fans of Steven Spielberg will be reminded of his 2002 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, who disguised himself as an airline pilot.
A broadcaster, radio DJ and TV producer have been charged with breaching the Civil Aviation Act after one of them disguised himself in a pilot’s uniform and tried to gain access to a restricted area at Auckland airport on Saturday, Police said.
Television personality Ben Boyce, 33, radio DJ Bryce Anthony Casey, 32, and television producer Andrew Logan Robinson, 26, appeared in Manukau District Court today after what appears to be a TV stunt that went too far.
One of the men, in pilot’s costume, had attempted to enter a secure area in the domestic terminal before being turned away by airport staff.
Grainy CCTV footage shows the man posing as a pilot in a TV stunt that could land him in jail.
The man quickly left the airport and police were notified.
The trio were filming a sketch for the comedy show they were working on: “Wanna-Ben,” which is produced for TV3.
Ben Boyce, the show’s presenter said in a statement: “I’m so sorry for all the trouble this has caused. We did not intend to breach security or cause any worry or concern. This was an attempt at humour which we fully accept was misplaced. I cannot say how sorry we all are.”
TV3 owner, MediaWorks also issued a statement: “Obviously we would never encourage or condone any illegal activity,” adding the three men had contacted police as soon as they realised there was concern.
The men were bailed on Monday and are due to re-appear in court on October 18.
If found guilty, the penalty is up to 12 months in jail or a fine of up to NZ$10,000.
