Angry Passenger Who Threatened to Destroy Plane After Being Denied Alcohol Faces 20 Years in Prison

A New York man pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a flight where he allegedly threatened to "tear the plane apart" in response to the airline's rules against personal alcohol consumption.

James Tyqwon Ford, 31, has pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew in connection to his disruptive behavior on a May 2023 flight from San Juan to New York. The flight was forced to divert to Richmond, Virginia after an allegedly intoxicated Ford made several threats and caused an ongoing disturbance aboard the plane, WRIC reported.

Flight attendants noticed the smell of alcohol, according to court documents, early in the non-stop flight and reminded passengers that consuming personal alcohol onboard was prohibited. Ford responded with profanity, threats, and lewd comments, later claiming he wanted to punch and shoot a flight attendant and "tear the plane apart."

The situation escalated when Ford's wife tried to take a bottle of Hennessy from him, prompting an altercation. Passengers intervened as Ford continued to issue threats, including promising to have his friends harm crew members after landing.

Fearing for passenger and crew safety, the flight diverted to Richmond, where law enforcement removed Ford. He now faces up to 20 years in prison, pending his April 2, 2025 sentencing.