United Flight Diverts After Passenger Claims “This Is a Simulation”
A cross-country flight operated by United Airlines was forced to divert to Omaha, Nebraska, on Dec. 28 after a passenger allegedly became disruptive, interfered with flight crew members, and assaulted another passenger while repeatedly claiming the flight was a “simulation.”
The incident occurred on United flight 2410, which was traveling from Washington Dulles International Airport to Salt Lake City. According to the airline, the aircraft made an unscheduled stop in Omaha “after a passenger became disruptive.” Law enforcement met the aircraft at the gate, removed the individual, and the flight later continued to its destination that evening.
Court records identify the passenger as 25-year-old Jordan Robert Langston. A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Nebraska includes an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Patrick Manion, who said Langston’s behavior shortly after takeoff prompted the diversion.
According to the affidavit, Langston left his seat and approached a flight attendant near the front of the aircraft, waving his hands and repeatedly stating, “This is a simulation.” When asked what he meant, Langston allegedly replied, “this flight,” before walking toward the rear of the plane.
Once at the back of the aircraft, Langston allegedly pushed another flight attendant, stepped on their shoes, and said he needed to get off the plane. A third flight attendant warned him not to touch the crew and advised that the flight could be diverted if the behavior continued.
The captain was informed and issued a Level 2 security threat, allowing the flight to continue while requiring four able-bodied assistants (ABTs) to be notified and prepared to intervene. One ABT was seated next to Langston, who reportedly continued repeating that the flight was a simulation.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Langston allegedly stood up forcefully, began jumping, raised his hands, and started “shadow boxing.” According to the affidavit, he threw punches at the ABT and struck them in the face below the nose. The ABT then took Langston to the ground in the aisle.
Langston was restrained by multiple ABTs and a flight attendant, handcuffed, and moved to the rear of the aircraft, where he reportedly screamed and made statements about death. Upon landing in Omaha, airport police escorted him off the plane and booked him into Douglas County Corrections.
Langston is charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants under Title 49 U.S. Code Section 46504. A federal magistrate ordered him held in custody on Dec. 30, with a criminal deadline set for Feb. 13. His attorney has not commented publicly on the case.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com