Johnathan Tafoya-Montano allegedly started a fire on an American Airlines flight that was traveling from Dallas, Texas to Detroit on February 1, 2016.
During the flight, Tafoya-Montano reported a fire in a rear lavatory on the aircraft and extinguished the flames.
After the fire was reported to the captain, the captain notified the control tower, and the aircraft, already on approach to land at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, was granted emergency status. The aircraft landed without incident and all passengers and flight crew safely disembarked.
Tafoya-Montano also admitted starting the fire, the FBI said in a press release.
He has been charged with destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities and false statements or entries generally.
He was arrested on Tuesday. He was released on bond with conditions yesterday. One of the conditions included a prohibition from flying without permission of the court, the FBI release said.
However, the FBI did not say why Tafoya-Montano started the fire on board the plane.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
