In a Utah courtroom, attorneys clashed over differing characterizations of a fight between two commercial airline pilots. Former Delta Air Lines pilot Jonathan J. Dunn, 42, made his first federal court appearance in Salt Lake City after being indicted by a grand jury on October 18, 2023. He was charged with interfering with a flight crew during a flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City in August 2022. The altercation occurred between Dunn, who was the co-pilot, and the captain, whose name was not disclosed in court documents. The captain had suggested diverting the flight to Grand Junction, Colorado, if a passenger's medical emergency worsened. However, Dunn objected and allegedly threatened multiple times to shoot the captain, accusing him of "going crazy."

Dunn's lawyer, John W. Huber, a former top federal prosecutor in Utah, argued that the altercation was a "misunderstanding." On the other hand, prosecutors described it as a "grave offense." If convicted, Dunn could face up to 20 years in prison. Judge Jared C. Bennett set Dunn's trial date for March 12.

New court documents revealed that Dunn acknowledged threatening the captain but claimed his remarks were intended as a joke. However, the captain did not perceive them as such and expressed concerns to authorities that Dunn might use his firearm to take command of the aircraft. Huber argued that Dunn should not be considered dangerous, highlighting his client's lack of criminal history.

Dunn, a resident of Rapid City, South Dakota, had been authorized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to carry a firearm on board for security reasons. However, following the incident, the TSA revoked his authority, and Delta Air Lines confirmed that Dunn no longer worked for the airline. The program allowing pilots to carry guns on domestic flights was implemented as a security measure after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Ross Aimer, CEO of Aero Consulting Experts and an aviation expert, explained that pilots who volunteer for the training program to become federal flight deck officers must undergo vetting and attend a training course at a federal law enforcement center in New Mexico. They are required to follow extensive protocols when carrying a firearm on board, only using it when absolutely necessary.

Aimer also mentioned that all pilots receive training on conflict resolution and are required to report any concerning behavior displayed by their colleagues. In this case, the altercation occurred during the last leg of a three-day cross-country rotation that Dunn and the captain completed together. The captain reported having issues with Dunn questioning his decisions throughout the rotation and attempting to act as a "right-seat captain."

Dunn, an Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel, had previously been demoted from his position for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The Air Force suspended his access to sensitive information and the air operations center due to the midflight altercation.

The news of Dunn's indictment came just days before another incident involving an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot. Joseph David Emerson, who was suffering from depression and had consumed psychedelic mushrooms, attempted to shut off the engine of a Horizon Air jet midflight. Emerson was subdued by the captain and co-pilot and arrested after the plane diverted to Portland, Oregon. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder in an Oregon state court.

During the court hearing, Judge Bennett outlined conditions that would allow Dunn to return home before the trial. Dunn turned and smiled at his wife and four young children, while his daughters shared nervous glances and his youngest son squirmed on his mother's lap. The judge instructed Dunn to remain at his current residence, surrender his passport, and any firearms. He was also prohibited from accessing guns or contacting any witnesses in the case until the trial.