CHICAGO- A United Airlines (UA) flight from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Salt Lake City (SLC) was diverted after a passenger became violent, assaults crew members and a fellow passenger, and repeatedly shouted that the flight was a “simulation.”
The incident resulted in an emergency landing in Omaha and federal charges that carry a potential 20 year prison sentence, highlighting the severity of in-flight interference offenses.
United Airlines Passenger Assaults Crew
The incident occurred on United Airlines (UA) Flight 2410, operating from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) on December 28, 2025. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, departed Dulles at approximately 6:15 PM.
Shortly after takeoff, passenger Jordan Robert Langston of Ogden, Utah, stood up from his seat and approached a flight attendant at the front of the aircraft.
Witnesses stated that Langston raised his hands above his head and repeatedly screamed, “This is a simulation.” When the flight attendant asked what he meant by a simulation, Langston responded, “This flight.”
Langston then moved toward the rear of the cabin, where he confronted another flight attendant. He stepped on the crew member’s foot and pushed her in the chest.
As the flight attendant attempted to move him away, Langston pushed her in the chest a second time and stated that he needed to get off the plane.
Crew Declares Level 2 Threat but Continues Flight
Flight attendants warned Langston that continued unruly behavior would result in a diversion and instructed him to return to his seat. He initially paced the aisle before sitting down.
At that point, the crew enlisted assistance from 4 passengers designated under United’s procedures as Able-Bodied Assistants (ASAs).
These passengers agreed to sit near Langston and intervene if his behavior escalated again.
The pilots classified the situation as a Level 2 threat, indicating physically abusive behavior. Given Langston’s temporary calm and the presence of the ASAs, the flight crew decided to continue toward Salt Lake City.
Passenger Threats Classification
Airlines worldwide use standardized threat levels to ensure consistent communication across crews, pilots, air traffic control, and law enforcement:
- Level 1 – Disruptive Behavior: Verbal abuse, threats, or refusal to comply with crew instructions.
- Level 2 – Physically Abusive Behavior: Physical contact such as pushing, hitting, or spitting.
- Level 3 – Life-Threatening Behavior: Severe violence or threats involving weapons.
- Level 4 – Cockpit Breach Attempt: Actual or attempted access to the flight deck.
Langston’s actions met the criteria for a Level 2 incident and were later escalated further.
Assault on Passenger Forces Emergency Diversion
Approximately 30 minutes later, Langston told one of the ASAs that he wanted to stand up. After being informed that the pilots required him to remain seated, Langston forcibly stood and entered the aisle.
He began jumping up and down and shadow boxing before striking one ASA in the face. Flight attendants and assisting passengers immediately intervened, restraining Langston and moving him to the rear of the aircraft.
Plastic flex restraints were applied as Langston continued screaming and shouting about death.
The pilots declared an emergency and diverted the aircraft to Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA), where Langston was taken into custody by law enforcement upon landing.
Federal Charges and Sentencing Reality
Langston has been charged with one count of interference with flight crew members, a federal offense carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000.
In practice, convictions for this offense rarely result in maximum sentences. Defendants are more commonly sentenced to several months in prison and ordered to pay restitution to airlines to offset costs such as emergency diversions.
Given Langston’s behavior, the case may also involve evaluations related to mental health or substance abuse as part of the legal process.
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