Former Palmer pilot responsible for near mid-air collision sentenced

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A Palmer man was sentenced on Wednesday to three years of probation with a fine of $10,000 for operating an unregistered aircraft without a license.

William Marsan, 57, aviation business owner and pilot of 30 years, flew a Piper Cherokee aircraft delivering goods to Alaskans across the state.

In June 2023, Marsan was reported to the FAA for failing to radio his intention to take off and flew into oncoming air traffic, nearly causing a mid-air collision.

After an investigation by law enforcement, they discovered Marsan was operating an aircraft without a valid license or registration.

FAA issued an emergency Order of Revocation of his Airline Transport Pilot Certificate which required Marsan to immediately surrender his pilot license or file an appeal of decision within 10 days.

He failed to do either and continued to operate his aircraft without a valid license until his initial arrest in July 2024.

Marsan was later released pending trial and failed to appear for multiple court hearings before his trial. He was rearrested in September 2024.

In December, Marsan was convicted by a federal grand jury for his aviation violations.

In a press release from the district attorney’s office after the sentencing Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska wrote: “Alaska’s aviation industry is a vital part of our infrastructure, safely connecting people and goods across the state. Mr. Marsan’s actions—operating an unregistered aircraft without a license and nearly causing a mid-air collision—put lives at risk. To prevent further violations and protect communities, Mr. Marsan will serve a significant term of probation under the relevant statutes and pay a fine for the money he made at the risk of others.”

FBI Anchorage Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day wrote: “Marsan’s flagrant disregard for aviation regulations put countless lives at risk and undermined the integrity of Alaska’s airspace. Such reckless, criminal behavior will not be tolerated by the FBI and aviation authorities.”

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.