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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) -- A 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 on 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, all for actions that occurred after the plane landed.
The court suspended a one-year jail term and ordered him to serve two years probation.
He could still face federal charges for causing the disturbance during the flight.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
