Unruly passenger that forced flight diversion sentenced to probation
By APThursday, May 13, 2010
Unruly plane passenger sentenced to probation
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — A passenger accused of unruly behavior that caused a plane to be diverted has pleaded guilty to three related charges.
Matthew Kleindorfer of Las Vegas was aboard a SkyWest Airlines flight from Helena, Mont., to Salt Lake City on May 2 when it was diverted to Idaho Falls.
Authorities say the pilot made the unscheduled landing after Kleindorfer pounded on the cockpit door, said he was a space alien and wanted to fly the plane.
The 32-year-old man pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor counts of battery, resisting arrest, and disturbing the peace, all for actions that occurred after the plane landed.
The court suspended a one-year jail term and ordered him to serve two years probation.
He could still face federal charges for causing the disturbance during the flight.
