Unruly plane passenger sentenced to probation

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) - A plane passenger accused of unruly behavior that caused a plane to be diverted has pleaded guilty to three related charges.

Matthew Kleindorfer of Las Vegas was aboard a SkyWest Airlines flight from Helena, Mont., to Salt Lake City May 2 when it was diverted to Idaho Falls.

Authorities say the pilot made the unscheduled landing after Kleindorfer pounded on the cockpit door, and said he was a space alien and wanted to fly the plane.

The 32-year-old man pleaded guilty in court Wednesday to misdemeanor counts of battery, resisting arrest, and disturbing the peace.

The court suspended a one-year jail term and ordered him to serve two years probation.

---

Information from: KIDK-TV, http://www.kidk.com/