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A Michigan man who attempted to open an aircraft emergency exit midflight and threatened to kill an 80-year-old flight attendant has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. The disturbing incident occurred on a Delta Connection flight last summer.
The defendant, 24-year-old Mario Nikprelaj of Shelby Township, MI, pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with flight crew members after a SkyWest-operated flight from Omaha’s Eppley Airfield (OMA) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) was forced to divert to Cedar Rapids’ Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) on July 17th. The 18-month sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release (according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa). Federal prosecutors noted that there is no parole in the federal prison system.
The New York Post reports that authorities described Nikprelaj’s conduct as erratic and violent from the moment he boarded the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft. Before pushback, he made aggressive remarks to fellow passengers and initially refused to fasten his seatbelt. While the aircraft was climbing, he repeatedly unbuckled his seatbelt, ignored instructions, and stood up. He then poked an elderly flight attendant in the chest and threatened to kill him when warned that law enforcement would be notified.
The situation escalated when flight attendants began inflight service. With their backs turned, passengers pressed call buttons in succession after noticing Nikprelaj manipulating the emergency exit door. When confronted, he shoved the attendant and issued further threats. The cockpit crew declared an emergency and diverted.
Even during descent, Nikprelaj continued to behave aggressively, removing his shirt, pacing the aisle, and attempting to strike other passengers who tried to help crew members restrain him. He was taken into custody after landing in Cedar Rapids’ Eastern Iowa Airport (CID). Officers later found a prescription bottle containing 41 Xanax pills not prescribed to him, including pills hidden beneath his scrotum, according to court filings.
Nikprelaj has a history of violent and disorderly behavior, with prior convictions for domestic violence, assaulting a police officer, breaking and entering, and drug-related offenses. His sentence exceeded the 12-month term prosecutors sought and represents one of the harsher penalties imposed in recent years for inflight interference cases, which rarely result in substantial prison time.
In sentencing documents, prosecutors commended the cabin crew for their restraint, describing their conduct as “remarkable patience and poise” under threat. The case underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities continue to treat inflight disruption and interference amid an elevated national focus on aviation safety.
Anthony’s Take: What is wrong with people? It’s good to see that this guy got more than a slap on the wrist. Hopefully he learns something and this sends a message to others. I doubt it will do much though as drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues are running rampant and often spill over into the skies.
(Image Credits: Linn County Correctional Center and Delta Air Lines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
1 comment
I don’t think he’s going to learn zip. It appears he’s headed for BIG trouble sooner or later. Just look at his history. Hope no one gets hurt as he spirals downward.