PA Man Admits to In-Flight Fire Attempt

DENVER, CO – A Pennsylvania man has admitted to deliberately starting a fire aboard a Delta Air Lines flight, putting the lives of everyone on board at risk. Robert Vincent Allen, of Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to attempted destruction of an aircraft before U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello on August 26, 2020. The incident occurred on April 1, 2020, and forced an emergency landing at Denver International Airport (DIA).

According to court documents, Allen boarded Delta flight #1706 in Los Angeles, bound for Detroit. Shortly after takeoff, passengers noticed Allen’s erratic behavior – pacing the cabin and repeatedly changing seats. Flight crew, growing increasingly concerned, alerted the pilot and attempted to calm Allen. His behavior escalated when he barricaded himself inside the aircraft lavatory, refusing to open the door.

The situation turned critical when the lavatory smoke alarm blared. Crewmembers forced open the door to find Allen attempting to ignite burning paper. They quickly extinguished the flames, but the pilot, recognizing the grave danger, immediately diverted the flight to DIA. Allen was restrained and seated in the rear of the plane while the crew prepared for an emergency landing.

Denver FBI agents and Denver Police Department officers arrested Allen upon the flight’s arrival at DIA. He was initially charged in a federal criminal complaint on April 2, 2020, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on June 2, 2020. Allen has remained free on bond pending sentencing.

Allen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and will be required to pay restitution to Delta Air Lines for the disruption and damages caused by his reckless actions. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2020. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Davies is prosecuting the case.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Denver Division of the FBI and the Denver Police Department. Details regarding the case, including court documents, can be found on PACER under Case Number 20-cr-147. A press release is also available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado website. The Department of Justice is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary; more information can be found at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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