Santonastaso’s pilot’s license was revoked in 2000 by the Federal Aviation Administration after he was convicted of larceny for stealing a helicopter from Norwood Memorial Airport. But Santonastaso claimed more than a year ago to be unaware that his license had been revoked. The allegations in the case were outlined in an affidavit filed by an officer from the Transportation Department inspector general’s office.

Antonio Santonastaso, 59, is charged with one count of “serving as an airman without an airman certificate” and one count of making false statements to federal agents, Boston US Attorney Andrew Lelling’s office said.

An East Brookfield man who allegedly converted his backyard into a makeshift helicopter landing pad that he used without a license was arrested Thursday and was arraigned in federal court in Worcester, officials said.


Santonastaso was arrested nearly two decades ago after investigators from Lancaster and Norwood police and Massachusetts State Police discovered a Robinson R22 helicopter “draped in a quilt of blankets and duct tape” on his neighbor’s farm in Lancaster 16 hours after it disappeared from the Norwood airport, the Globe reported in 2000.

The lack of a license allegedly did not prevent Santonastaso from taking to the skies. Last year, between April 28 and Nov. 11, Santonastaso took off and landed a Robinson R22 helicopter more than 50 times, prosecutors allege, sometimes going out daily for up to 16 days straight.

East Brookfield police grew familiar with Santonastaso through numerous calls from three neighbors, one who posted YouTube videos of Santonastaso taking off and landing in the backyard, and another who called the FAA to report Santonastaso for flying too close to a children’s swing set.

FAA inspectors “reviewed the path Santonastaso used when taking off and landing from his backyard, and concluded that it was extremely hazardous,” prosecutors said.


Investigators spoke with the defendant’s physician, asking him about signing off on his patient’s medical certificate, a requirement for a pilot’s license.

The doctor allegedly said, “That is a forgery.”

Investigators also discovered the phone number for the medical practice had been listed incorrectly on the certificate, and even the address was spelled wrong.

Santonastaso is the owner of a Robinson R22, which was registered as of June 27, 2018, FAA records show.

In 2002, Santonastaso was building a helicopter in his yard when it fell apart, sending Lancaster first responders rushing to his home near Route 117, according to Globe archives.

Prosecutors said Santonastaso faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 under federal law.

Sabrina Schnur can be reached at sabrina.schnur@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @sabrina_schnur.