An affidavit has drawn supporting an arrest warrant for JetBlue pilot Clayton Osbon, who has been charged with interfering with the flight crew after suffering from a psychotic meltdown during a flight to Los Angeles. According to flight passengers and crew members, Osbon exhibited erratic behavior during the flight, which eventually escalated and forced passengers to restrain him until the plane completed an emergency landing in Texas. Osbon's license is currently suspended while this case undergoes investigation and he receives medical treatment. If found guilty, Osbon faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine (CNN). .
The two-page affidavit, detailed by FBI Special Agent John Whitworth, reported that Osbon missed the crew briefing prior to the flight, but he did not show any bizarre behavior before takeoff. However, after the plane lifted off the ground, Osbon "said something to the FO (first officer) about being evaluated by someone," recorded the affidavit, but the first officer didn't know what he meant. He talked excessively about church and needing to "focus," and then ordered the first officer to take control (CNN).
"Things just don't matter," Osbon said, citing sins in Las Vegas and saying, "We're not going to Vegas" (CNN).
More than halfway through the flight, Osbon exited the cockpit to use the lavatory. After finding it occupied by a passenger, he grew outraged and began banging on the door. Sensing that something was wrong, the first officer asked another JetBlue pilot who was then riding as a passenger to enter the cockpit and locked them inside. Upon finding himself locked out, Osbon's anger rose, and he continued to pound the door until the first officer ordered passengers over the PA to restrain Osbon. Several passengers heeded his request and restrained Osbon until the plane had successfully landed (CNN).
A passenger reported that Osbon repeatedly said, "Pray f***ing now for Jesus Christ" and kept mentioning Jesus, September 11, Iraq, Iran, and terrorists (CNN).