Home Portland Press Releases 2010 FBI, Port of Portland Police Investigate Incident on Hawaiian Airlines Flight 39
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FBI, Port of Portland Police Investigate Incident on Hawaiian Airlines Flight 39

FBI Portland January 06, 2010
  • Beth Anne Steele (503) 460-8099

The FBI and Port of Portland Police Officers have concluded their interview of a passenger removed from Hawaiian Flight 39. The flight was en route to Hawaii, from Portland International Airport when the passenger exhibited behavior that was concerning to the flight crew. The pilot made the decision to turn the flight around, and it landed back at PDX at approximately 1:15 pm (local time). Port officers escorted the male passenger and a female companion off of the plane without incident. The passenger is a 56-year-old Salem man. The FBI is not releasing his name at this time because he has not been charged.

FBI Agents and Port officers interviewed both the passenger and his companion as well as the flight crew and others. The passenger and companion have been released. The matter has been referred to the United States Attorney’s Office for further review.

After a search of the plane by local and federal officers, the flight was allowed to depart again for Hawaii. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), working with Port of Portland and TSA, responded to the incident. At this time, there is no known terrorism link.