CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) is at the center of renewed legal controversy as passenger Cameron Korth sues the carrier, alleging the airline ignored his mental health pleas before a 2017 bomb hoax incident.
The case began on United Flight 231 from San Diego (SAN) to Denver (DEN), where Korth left a bomb threat note in the lavatory. His 2018 conviction and prison sentence have resurfaced in 2025 as he pursues damages against the airline.
Photo: Clément AlloingUnited Airlines Faces Lawsuit
In January 2017, 22-year-old Cameron Korth boarded United Airlines Flight 231, traveling from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Denver International Airport (DEN).
During the flight, he left a note reading “THERE IS BOMBS” in the lavatory and then pretended to discover it, alerting the crew.
This triggered an emergency diversion and evacuation. No explosives were found, but the disruption cost thousands in operational expenses.
Prosecutors stated that Korth admitted to fabricating the threat in hopes of drawing attention to his mental health struggles.
According to WebProNews, investigators revealed he confessed during interrogation that he wanted intervention rather than intending harm.
In 2018, Korth was convicted on federal charges of providing false information and hoaxes related to aircraft safety. He was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution to United Airlines.
The Department of Justice emphasized that hoax threats not only endanger passengers but also drain critical security resources.
Court documents showed the incident disrupted travel for hundreds of passengers and required extensive emergency response coordination. Aviation experts cited the case as part of a growing trend in disruptive passenger behavior.
Photo: United Aviate Academy2025 Lawsuit Against United Airlines
Now, in 2025, Korth has filed a civil lawsuit against United Airlines (UA), claiming the carrier ignored his mental health pleas before the hoax.
He argues that staff failed to respond appropriately to his distress signals, which he says contributed to the incident. His lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, focusing on airline accountability in handling in-flight mental health crises.
United Airlines has denied wrongdoing, asserting that it followed federal safety protocols. The airline’s legal team maintains that Korth’s actions were deliberate and criminal, not the result of staff negligence.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrBroader Industry Impacts
The lawsuit occurs amid increased scrutiny of airline threat management and discrimination issues.
United Airlines (UA) settled a separate 2025 case for nearly $100,000 over racial slurs at its Denver (DEN) hub. The FAA reported over 5,000 unruly passenger incidents in 2024, with bomb hoaxes rising post-pandemic.
Public sentiment on X shows frustration with flight disruptions from pranks. Aviation analysts link these events to eroding trust in air travel and advocate stricter penalties.
Photo: Clément AlloingFuture Outlook
If the suit advances, it may require airlines to add mental health training for crews, akin to post 9/11 security updates.
The Transportation Security Administration has enhanced threat programs, but experts call for AI-monitored communications and empathy-based approaches.
The case balances security with compassion in aviation. With a trial set for late 2025, pilots’ unions and advocacy groups monitor for effects on threat litigation.
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The post United Airlines Faces Lawsuit from Man Who Gave False Bomb Threat appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
