19-Year-Old Student Pilot Charged After Making Multiple Attempts to Enter Cockpit During Flight

19-Year-Old student pilot cockpit flight Alaska Airlines

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 14, 05:50 am

Photo: (Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images )

According to court documents, a 19-year-old student pilot is being charged federally for allegedly trying to enter the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight on numerous occasions.

The crew announced a disturbance during the flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport on March 3, as declared by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Student Pilot Disrupts Flight After Attempts To Enter Cockpit

The passenger, identified as Nathan Jones, reportedly left his seat numerous times and made three different pursuits to reach the front of the aircraft to open the cockpit door, according to an affidavit from a federal air marshal supporting the criminal complaint.

During a search of Jones' belongings after landing, federal agents found a student pilot's license and notebooks containing instructions on aircraft operation, including take-off, in-flight, and landing techniques. He was afterward seized and charged with interference with a flight crew.

Jones is presently in custody in Alexandria County, awaiting a detention hearing on March 18, according to court records.

His attorney, Robert Jenkins, has requested a competency evaluation for Jones, citing a letter from a therapist describing symptoms of a serious mental illness and suicide protocols.

Jenkins emphasized that Jones has no history of criminal behavior or violence and stated that the charges are inconsistent with his character. The attorney expressed concern for Jones' mental health and asserted confidence that it will become evident he never intended to harm or threaten anyone.

Criminal Complaint Against Student Pilot

According to Federal Air Marshal Thomas Pattinson, a student pilot named Nathan Jones has been charged after reportedly attempting to access the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight multiple times during a journey to Dulles International Airport in Virginia earlier this month.

The incident occurred on Alaska Airlines Flight 322, which departed from San Diego, California, on March 3.

Pattinson detailed in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Virginia that Jones, seated in 6E, left his seat on multiple occasions during the flight and made three separate attempts to reach the cockpit door.

Flight attendants eventually called upon off-duty law enforcement officers to restrain Jones using flex cuffs, who then remained by his side for the duration of the flight.

When questioned about his actions, Jones purportedly stated that he was "testing" the flight attendants.

The flight deck was secured for the remainder of the journey, with flight attendants rearranging their duties to accommodate the situation.

A beverage cart was also utilized as a barrier to prevent access to the cockpit. Law enforcement at Dulles contacted the FBI regarding Jones' behavior upon the aircraft's arrival.

Upon consenting to a search of his carry-on and checked luggage, agents found multiple notebooks containing instructions on aircraft operation, as well as Jones' student pilot's license in his wallet.

Robert Jenkins, identified as Jones' lawyer, emphasized to CBS News that the allegations are inconsistent with Jones' character, highlighting his lack of criminal history or violent behavior.

Jenkins expressed concern for Jones' mental health and stated confidence that Jones had no intention of causing harm or threats.