By MEAD GRUVER Associated Press

A helicopter pilot faces up to $10,000 in fines and a year in jail for making an illegal landing in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park.

The citations issued July 7 say Peter Smith landed June 23 on the western shore of Jackson Lake.

Park officials said Monday that rangers arrived by boat to find Smith and a female companion having a picnic.

Reached by phone, Smith tells The Associated Press there was no picnic — he hit bad weather while trying to cross the Teton Range and had to land.

Smith is charged with operating aircraft on lands/waters other than designated areas and failure to comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

Both are misdemeanors.

His initial appearance -- when he formally hears the charges -- is scheduled for Aug. 15 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick.

Parade Day in Downtown Casper

July 11, 2023. Togetherness.

Gold Rush Days in South Pass City

Saturday, July 8th, 2023

More From K2 Radio