ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, August 3, 1996 TAG: 9608050063
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: COLUMBUS, OHIO
A passenger from Virginia on a United Airlines flight fought with flight attendants, yelled obscenities and tried to open a door while the plane was flying, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing, the FBI said.
But Curtis G. Miller, 37, of Burke told a judge that he slept most of the way on the flight from San Francisco.
The plane landed about 6 a.m. Thursday at Port Columbus International Airport. The other 281 passengers and the crew later went on to Dulles International Airport.
Miller was charged with interfering with a flight crew and could face 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The affidavit of FBI agent Brett L. Johnson said Miller cursed at a flight attendant who asked him if he was looking for a bathroom when she saw him pacing. Then he shoved flight attendant Dawn Hupp when she asked him to return to his seat.
He then pinned chief flight attendant John M. Perry against a door of the DC-10 and attempted to open it, the affidavit said. Two passengers helped the crew subdue Miller, who was then tied to his seat. He broke out of the restraints and was again subdued, Johnson said. - Associated Press
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