Student Pilot Charged After Attempting to Access Cockpit on Alaska Airlines Flight

During a recent journey on Alaska Airlines Flight 322 from San Diego to Dulles International Airport, an unsettling incident unfolded. Nathan Jones, a 19-year-old student pilot, attempted to breach the cockpit door three separate times. This information comes from an affidavit by Federal Air Marshal Thomas Pattinson, which detailed that Jones’s actions necessitated the intervention of flight attendants and off-duty law enforcement officers aboard the flight, who subsequently restrained him for the remainder of the flight.

Jones’s explanation for his actions, as stated in the affidavit, was that he was “testing” the crew members. The aftermath of the incident has seen Jones facing serious legal repercussions, charged with interference with a flight crew, a felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Legal and Mental Health Concerns

The focus has shifted towards Jones’s legal standing and mental well-being following the event. His defense attorney, Robert Jenkins, has publicly voiced concerns regarding Jones’s mental health, stressing the importance of a psychological evaluation before proceeding to trial. The Alexandria jail has placed Jones on suicide watch, reporting symptoms that suggest severe psychiatric distress, emphasizing the necessity for immediate and specialized care.

Anne Zalewski, a licensed clinical social worker for the jail, highlighted the critical need for hospital-level care to manage Jones’s mental health crisis, which is detailed in the medical evaluation. This aspect of the case sheds light on the intricate relationship between criminal actions and underlying mental health issues.

Security Measures and Aftermath

The incident prompted heightened security protocols aboard the aircraft, including using a beverage cart as a makeshift barrier near the cockpit door, complemented by the vigilance of the flight attendants. These swift actions by the crew and the assisting officers prevented a potentially more dangerous situation from unfolding.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since released a statement regarding the “passenger disturbance,” confirming the safe arrival of Flight 322 and announcing an ongoing investigation into the incident. This episode underscores the importance of robust security measures in air travel and the constant vigilance required to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew onboard.