Pilot 'destroyed airport parking barrier with axe after reaching breaking point'

19 August 2023 , 17:23

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Pilot 'destroyed airport parking barrier with axe after reaching breaking point'

A United Airlines pilot told authorities that he destroyed a parking barrier at a Colorado airport because "he just hit his breaking point."

Kenneth Henderson Jones, 63, was charged with criminal mischief after attacking the metal parking arm with a long-handled axe on August 2 at Denver International Airport.

After destroying the barrier at the parking lot, knocking it off its base, Jones fled the scene as a lot attended tried to confront him about the destruction. The employee would later explain to investigators that he was able to retrieve a weapon from Jones while the two fought near a security fence, AP reports.

Kenneth Henderson Jones, 63, was charged with criminal mischief after attacking the metal parking arm with a long-handled axe on August 2 at Denver International Airport (CBS)

Jones was apprehended by Denver police as he attempted to run off into a nearby field. The pilot would later explain to a deputy from the Adams County Sheriff's Office that there were six vehicles stacked behind one another at the parking lot's three exit gates, prompting him to retrieve the ax from his parked vehicle.

“Kenneth started by saying he just hit his breaking point,” a report from the sheriff's office stated. Jones was released soon after providing his statement.

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After destroying the barrier at the parking lot, knocking it off its base, Jones fled the scene (CBS)

A statement issued by United Airlines Friday said Jones “was removed from the schedule and is on leave while United conducts an internal investigation.” Jones could not be reached for a comment by the Associated Press.

A manager for the parking lot said that the damaged parking arm would cost approximately $300 to repair, according to the report from the sheriff's office.

A parking lot employee would later explain to investigators that he was able to retrieve a weapon from Jones while the two fought (CBS)

The incident comes as the airline industry continues to reel from a shortage in pilots as passengers continue flying in record numbers. The shortage is expected to get worse as the decade progresses, 9News reports.

Metropolitan State University of Denver and United Airlines have actually partnered up to try to stop the shortage, launching the Aviate program in the city to help offer students a direct path to piloting aircraft.

Congress has even looked at two controversial solutions to fixing the problem. One idea would be to allow flight simulations to count for some of the hours needed to become a commercial pilot. An alternative would be to raise the retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67, Yahoo reported.

Matthew Wright