{"id":145501,"date":"2026-06-09T20:34:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T15:04:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=145501"},"modified":"2026-06-09T20:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T14:57:02","slug":"swiss-passenger-jailed-10-months-for-groping-crew-storming-cockpit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/09\/swiss-passenger-jailed-10-months-for-groping-crew-storming-cockpit\/","title":{"rendered":"SWISS Passenger Jailed 10 Months and Fined $73,000 for Groping Crew, Storming Cockpit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEWARK\u2014<\/strong> A Belgian passenger who groped a female flight attendant<\/a> and then tried to storm the cockpit on a SWISS International Air Lines (LX)<\/a> flight has been sentenced to 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $73,000<\/strong> in restitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The assault took place aboard SWISS (LX) flight LX19 shortly after departure from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) bound for Zurich Airport (ZRH), forcing the pilots to declare an emergency and divert back to Newark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SWISS
Photo: Nabil Molinari | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Court Hands Down Sentence for Mid-Air Assault<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jan Daeninck, a Belgian national, received the 10-month custodial term along with one year of supervised release following his sentencing hearing. The court also ordered him to pay $73,000 <\/strong>in restitution to cover the harm caused during the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The penalty followed a plea deal. Daeninck was originally charged with interfering with flight crew members around six months after the event, after an FBI investigation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assaulting a flight attendant, which carries a maximum sentence of one year, PYOK<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SWISS
Photo: Swiss Airbus A330-300; HB-JHJ@ZRH;12.01.2020 | Arriving as L\u2026 | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How the Incident Unfolded on Flight LX19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The attack occurred on March 31, 2024, while the Airbus A330<\/a> was still in its initial climb after takeoff. The aircraft carried 236 passengers and 13 crew members, all of whom remained seated as the seatbelt signs stayed switched on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to prosecutors, Daeninck ignored the seatbelt signs and rose from his seat. He approached a female flight attendant, grabbed both of her breasts, then shook her and screamed in her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight attendant broke free from his grip. At that point, Daeninck sprinted toward the cockpit and tried to force his way through the flight deck door, repeatedly kicking and punching the bulletproof barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: SWISS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crew Members Injured While Restraining Suspect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A second flight attendant moved to stop Daeninck but was attacked immediately. The suspect punched and kicked the crew member in the face and abdomen before other flight attendants rushed in and pulled Daeninck off him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the crew worked to restrain him, Daeninck tried to bite them repeatedly while threatening to kill them. The pilots<\/a> diverted back to Newark as flight attendants<\/a> pinned him to the floor of the galley near the cockpit door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Police took Daeninck into custody on arrival. The male flight attendant was transported to the hospital for treatment of the injuries he sustained during the assault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: By Shinsuke Ikegame – Daily Photos in Vancouver, CC BY 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=39788291<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Authorities Stress Zero Tolerance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer addressed the case after the sentencing. He stated that the defendant’s actions threatened the safety and security of innocent passengers, crew members, and the flight itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frazer added that violence against flight crew members and attempts to compromise aircraft security will not be tolerated. He said the sentence shows that those who jeopardize flight safety will face serious consequences, including prison time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
SWISS A330 Pilot Abort Takeoff at Delhi Airport, 4 Passengers Injured<\/a><\/blockquote>