Two Swiss mountaineers were arrested after landing a small plane less than 400 meters from the summit of Mont Blanc (Europe’s tallest peak). The Guardian reports police were in pursuit Tuesday evening when the plan made the illegal landing. The climbers had already deplaned and started towards the summit equipped with ropes and crampons when they were intercepted by authorities and asked to turn back. The mayor of nearby Chamonix, Eric Fournier, calls the 14,600ft landing an unprecedented provocation:

“It constitutes an intolerable attack on the high mountain environment and on all existing protective measures.”

Lt Col Stephane Bozon of Gendarmerie’s Mountain Rescue Service in Chamonix said authorities are considering what offenses were committed. The climbers could face up to two years in prison and fines totaling €300,000 ($336,000 USD). We will be sure to update this story as more information comes in.

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all images from wikipedia