United States v. Charles Compton
Opinion
Opinion
Noonan, J.
Charles Compton appeals his conviction of attempted aircraft piracy in violation of 49 U.S.C.App. § 1472® and of interference with a fight crew in violation of 49 U.S.C.App. § 1472®. Cases construing these statutory provisions are few. The offenses involved are great, and of much interest to air travelers. No prior published case in this circuit has addressed the crime of attempted aircraft piracy!
We affirm Compton’s conviction of attempted air piracy but vacate entry of judgment and sentence on his conviction of interference with a flight crew member.
FACTS
The following facts were established at trial:
On February 10, 1991, Charles Compton flew on Southwest Airlines from Oakland, California on a flight bound for Houston, Texas by way of San Diego, California. Forty-five minutes into flight, Compton handed Diane Colvin,- the senior flight attendant, a note that read: “I have nitro in my hand and a bomb in my luggage. I want $13 Million ransom for plane and passengers. Stop in New York. Have $13 million waiting. Pick up. Refuel. Fly to Cuba. I am not alone.” Signed, “L.L.A.”.
Colvin was frightened by the message and believed that the plane was being hijacked. She excused…