Student pilot busted for attempting to steal commercial jet
A student pilot has apparently taken his enthusiasm to learn to a rather extreme level.
Nishal Sankat, a student at Florida Tech, is facing serious charges including a criminal attempt to steal an airplane from Orlando Melbourne International Airport.
The 22-year old jumped a fence and boarded a parked Airbus 321 jet.
He was tackled by maintenance workers and 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.
Just 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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