Former Delta Air Lines pilot, Jonathan J. Dunn, has been indicted for an alarming incident that took place mid-flight in August 2022. Dunn, a First Officer and previously cleared to carry a firearm under the TSA’s Federal Flight Deck Officer program, faces charges for interfering with the crew of a commercial airline flight.

During a flight where a passenger experienced a medical emergency, the captain recommended a route change. Allegedly, Dunn interfered with the crew and intimidated the captain by threatening to shoot them multiple times if the flight were diverted.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General confirmed the indictment, highlighting that Dunn’s actions constituted an assault and intimidation against the captain. The Department is conducting an investigation in collaboration with the FBI and FAA.

If found guilty, Dunn could potentially face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, according to reports from ABC News. The Transportation Security Administration mentioned that Dunn is no longer part of the Federal Flight Deck Officer program.

Delta Air Lines confirmed Dunn’s employment termination but refrained from providing additional details regarding the incident.

An arraignment for Dunn is scheduled for November 16. This disconcerting development follows another recent case involving an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot facing charges for allegedly attempting to shut down a plane’s engines mid-flight.

Joseph David Emerson, charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, had reportedly taken psychedelic mushrooms prior to the flight and was accused of trying to interfere with the plane’s engines. He pleaded not guilty at a recent arraignment.

These unsettling events bring attention to safety and security concerns within the aviation industry, underlining the importance of stringent measures to maintain safety protocols and prevent such incidents.