A student pilot is facing charges after allegedly attempting to open the cockpit door multiple times during a flight, claiming it was a test for the flight crew. The incident occurred on March 3rd on an Alaska Airlines flight from San Diego to Washington, D.C. According to reports, a federal marshal had to intervene by using a beverage cart to block access to the cockpit.
The student pilot, identified as a 19-year-old named Nathan Jones in court documents, was seated in 6E, a middle seat on the right side of the plane. Despite being reprimanded by off-duty police officers and flight attendants, Jones reportedly made three attempts to breach the cockpit.
When questioned by flight attendants about his actions, Jones allegedly stated that he was testing them, a claim that will likely be addressed in an upcoming court hearing. Following the incident, Jones consented to a search of his bags, revealing notebooks detailing aircraft operation procedures and a student pilot certificate in his wallet.
While Jones's family expressed shock and concern over his behavior, citing inconsistencies with his character, he is currently being held in an adult detention center in Alexandria, Northern Virginia. The court hearing to address the charges is scheduled for Monday.
