Student Pilot Attempts to Open Cockpit on Alaska Airlines Flight, Arrested and Charged

An incident occurred on an Alaska Airlines flight traveling from California to Virginia on March 3 involving a student pilot attempting to open the cockpit door, according to court documents.

Attempts to Open the Cockpit Door

The passenger, identified as Nathan Jones, was reported to have left his seat, 6E, multiple times during the flight. Allegedly, he made three attempts to access the cockpit, prompting flight attendants to seek assistance from off-duty law enforcement officers.

Restraint and Precautionary Measures

The off-duty officers restrained Jones and remained seated beside him for the duration of the flight. The flight deck was subsequently locked down, and a beverage cart was utilized as a barrier to prevent further access to the cockpit.

Discovery of Notebooks and Pilot's License

Upon landing at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, law enforcement discovered multiple notebooks in Jones' luggage detailing aircraft operation techniques, including take-off, in-air, and landing procedures. Additionally, his wallet contained a student pilot's license.

Legal Action and Charges

Jones was arrested and charged with interference with flight crew members. The maximum penalty for the charge is 20 years in prison. His lawyer expressed shock at the allegations and emphasized concerns about Jones' mental health.

Upcoming Detention Hearing

A detention hearing for Jones is scheduled for March 18, and he will remain in custody until then, according to court documents.

FAA Reports on Unruly Passenger Incidents

The Federal Aviation Administration disclosed that in 2024, a total of 320 unruly passenger incidents have been reported, including 145 in January and 175 in February.