The headline for this news story could be: “Student Pilot Charged with Interfering with Flight Crew on Alaska Airlines Flight”
In a bizarre turn of events, a 19-year-old student pilot from Northern Virginia, identified as Nathan Jones, has been charged with interfering with a flight crew on an Alaska Airlines flight from California to Virginia. According to court documents, Jones attempted multiple times to enter the cockpit of Alaska Airlines Flight 322 from San Diego International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport on March 3.
The affidavit filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia stated that Jones, seated in 6E, tried three times to access the cockpit door, prompting flight attendants to seek help from off-duty law enforcement officers. Jones was restrained with flex cuffs and monitored for the remainder of the flight.
Alaska Airlines reported that Jones seemed confused and claimed he was “testing” the crew when questioned about his actions. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, and the flight landed safely at its destination.
Upon landing, agents searched Jones’s belongings and discovered notebooks detailing aircraft operation procedures, along with his student pilot’s license. His lawyer, Robert Lee Jenkins Jr., has filed a motion requesting a mental competency hearing for Jones, citing concerns about his understanding of the charges against him.
A therapist for the city of Alexandria described Jones as exhibiting symptoms of a serious mental illness and being on suicide protocols. Jenkins emphasized the need for hospital care to stabilize Jones’s mental state.
The next hearing for Jones is scheduled for March 18, where bond conditions and the evaluation request will be addressed. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
