Investigation launched as student pilot attempts to steal aircraft
Orlando Melbourne International Airport was put on lockdown for two hours after a student pilot jumped the fence and tried to steal a passenger jet.
Nishal Sankat, a student at Florida Tech, is facing serious charges including a criminal attempt to steal an airplane.
The 22-year old was tacked by maintenance workers as he boarded a parked Airbus 321 jet and was later arrested.
Local police, the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating the incident which authrorities say was not terror-related.
However they are still unsure of Sankat’s motive.
The airport was put on lockdown for several hours which delayed two flights.
The maintenance employees have been praised for their actions in thwarting ‘what could have been a tragedy’.
Florida Tech confirmed Sankat is studying aviation management and has received some flight training.
"Law enforcement is continuing its investigation. University officials will collaborate with authorities to further review this matter," Florida Tech said in a statement.
Last month an apparent suicidal Seattle Airport ground worker stole a Horizon Air jet and deliberately crashed it into an offshore island after being pursued by military jets.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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