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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.
An investigation revealed that Mr. Tafoya-Montano
had set the fire himself, and he eventually
admitted to such. Mr. Tafoya-Montano
has been charged with destruction of aircraft or
aircraft facilities” and false statements or
entries generally.
He was arrested on March 1, 2016, and his
detention hearing was earlier today. He was
released on bond with conditions. One of the
conditions included a prohibition from flying
without permission of the court.
According to court documents, Tafoya-Montano
gained employment with American Airlines 1 1/2
years ago. He had worked for a doctor’s office
in New Mexico just prior to working for American
Airlines. In 2014, Tafoya-Montano was arrested
for DUI and was convicted. |
