Female Pilot Sues Southwest Airlines Over Colleague's Sexual Misconduct

A female pilot of the United States based Southwest Airlines is reportedly suing the company, her union and a former colleague. The colleague pleaded guilty last year over an indecent incident, where he stripped inside the cockpit, as claimed by the survivor pilot.

Christine Janning alleges that Southwest grounded her after reporting Michael Haak to the company and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Instead, Haak continued to serve as pilot with company, despite an alleged history of sexual misconduct.

Janning claimed instead of taking action on him, she was grounded for over three months and take simulator training before being permitted to return to active duties.

Pilot Sues Southwest Airlines

According to a report, the incident took place in August 2020, during a flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Florida (MCO). Janning claimed Haak told her it was his final flight and he wanted to do something before retirement. Further she also added that Haak locked the cockpit door and stripped himself naked. Also, he began to watch pornography on his laptop and taking photos and video of himself. Although, no word was utter by him and did anything with Janning.

Janning filed same complained with FBI after three months of the incident. Post-inquiry, Haak pleaded guilty in May 2021 to a federal misdemeanor. Although, on investigation it was revealed that it was not Haak’s final flight with the airline. Court slammed Haak with one year of probation and a $5,000 fine.

On company's response to the complaint, Janning claimed she reported the matter to the airline’s management. Management informed her as the captain retired, the investigation was closed. She then went to the FBI.

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