A pilot is suing Southwest Airlines, a former co-pilot, and her pilots’ union over an incident involving an alleged sexual assault, according to USA Today.
In 2020, Christine Janning co-piloted a flight from Philadelphia to Orlando with Michael Haak. During the flight, he disrobed and watched pornography in front of her.
What happened:
Once the flight reached cruising altitude, Haak, who was about to retire, said there was something he wanted to do before retiring. He then proceeded to lock the cockpit door, take his clothes off, and masturbate while watching pornography.
Janning says Haak took photos and videos of himself engaging in the act. At Haak’s encouragement, Janning also took photos of him, which she says was “to create a record.”
Haak pled guilty to intentionally committing a lewd, indecent, or obscene act. He was sentenced to probation and made to pay a $5,000 fine.
Now, Janning has filed a lawsuit in Orange County, FL. She is suing Haak for sexual assault and is also suing Southwest Airlines and the airline’s Pilots Association.
FBI Involvement:
Haak had already retired by the time she reported the incident, so Southwest decided to close its investigation. She contacted the FBI, which ended up charging him.
Janning says that after she reported the incident with Haak to Southwest and the FBI, the airline retaliated against her by keeping her grounded for three months, costing her wages, and forcing her to take unnecessary training before returning back to the skies.
She also claims the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association failed to advocate for her and conspired with the airline. In fact, she said the union worked against her, writing a letter to the judge about Haak’s “spotless” record.
Claims of a prank:
Haak claims the incident was “a consensual prank.” His attorney, Michael Salnick, told USA Today that Haak disrobed after Janning asked him if there was something he wanted to do before retiring.
In a statement to USA Today, Southwest Airlines said, “Southwest Airlines takes all matters related to workplace conduct very seriously, with a well-defined policy and process for harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims.”
“Our corporate Culture is built upon treating others with mutual respect and dignity, and we plan to vigorously defend against allegations made in this recent complaint.”
Related: NFL Player Sues United Airlines, Claims He Was Sexually Assaulted By Female Passenger