Updated: Bellflower Man Accused of Trying to Steal Plane from Compton Airport Due in Court Monday

Editor's Note: Trial date set for June 19.

A June 19 trial date was set Monday for .

Troy Daniel Long, 25, faces one federal count each of air piracy and attempting to serve as an airman without an airman's certificate.

Long allegedly went into the Woodley Airport office early on the morning of April 20 and took the keys to a plane. When confronted by employees, Long allegedly brandished a handgun, took the keys and headed for the runway.

He went to the tarmac and entered a Cessna 152 airplane and started the engine,'' said Deputy Peter Gomez of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.

Long was revving the engine of the two-seat single-engine aircraft and attempting to fly away when deputies arrived, but the plane was chained to the tarmac, preventing takeoff, Gomez said.

"The plane was lurching and bucking against the chain which was holding it in place,'' he said. "Numerous deputies with guns drawn began yelling for Long to turn off the plane's engine.''

Finally, Long pulled off his headset, turned off the engine, put his hands in the air, climbed out of the airplane and was taken into custody.

A plea of not guilty was entered for Long at an arraignment hearing after the defendant expressed confusion about the process. Later in the day, U.S. District Judge Manuel L. Real set the June 19 trial date.

Long appeared unfocused at the afternoon proceeding, and seemed to be mumbling to himself at times.

Defense attorney John D. Hanusz declined comment when asked outside court if there could be competency issues regarding his client.

- City News Service