Whew! Pilot Wasn't Criminal, Just Crazy

I feel relieved, how about you?

(Reuters) - A Texas judge on Tuesday found a JetBlue pilot insane and not guilty of interfering with a flight after his bizarre behavior forced an emergency landing in March.

Clayton Osbon, 49, had been charged with interference with a flight crew and could have faced up to 20 years in prison.

Court documents show U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson in Amarillo, Texas, received a report from a psychological examination that concluded, "at the time of the commission of the offense, the defendant appeared to suffer from a severe mental disease or defect that impaired his ability to appreciate the nature, quality, or wrongfulness of his behavior."

All parties, including the prosecutors, agreed to the report.

Last month, Judge Robinson declared Osbon fit to stand trial, saying he was "not now suffering from a mental disease or defect" that would make it impossible for him to assist in his own defense.

Well, isn't that bloody convenient.  It's amazing how dodging a 20 year prison sentence can make one feel better about themselves.

I'm calling bullshit.  You don't flip crazy to sane like a switch.  He's either guilty or still insane.  I find it hard to believe he could try to have it both ways, but here you see it.