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.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025