Southwest Pilot Accused of Midflight Cockpit Exposure

Federal prosecutors are claiming a former pilot for Southwest Airlines gave new meaning and purpose to a passenger plane’s cockpit on a recent flight from Philadelphia to Orlando. According to NBC4, federal prosecutors have alleged in court Michael Haak was the pilot in charge of Southwest flight 6607 last summer when he exposed his genitals in the cockpit mid-flight. Unnamed federal agents confirmed an investigation is still underway, but provided few other details on the pilot. A spokesperson for Southwest said Haak left the airline before the incident was discovered, and they have been fully cooperating with investigators.

“The acts began, continued and were completed while the aircraft was in flight,” according to the single-page document dated Friday and filed by prosecutors a federal district court in Maryland. They allege Haak “intentionally committed an act of lewd, indecent, and obscene exposure of his genitals in a public place.”

It was unclear who witnessed the exposure, how long or short was the duration of the event, and the reason Haak allegedly exposed himself in the first place

Southwest Airlines issued a statement noting Haak is no longer allegedly exposing his genitals in their cockpits as he left the company before the incident came to light.

“The pilot in question is no longer employed by Southwest Airlines and departed the company last year prior to us becoming aware of the matter,” the spokesperson said. “The event was recently brought to our attention, and we've cooperated with the appropriate outside agencies as they investigate.”

Neither federal sources nor Southwest provided information on how the incident first came to the attention of investigators.

Southwest Airlines further made clear they take “all matters related to workplace conduct very seriously” and have implemented “a well-defined policy and reporting process for harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination” and accusations of inappropriate conduct.

“Our corporate culture is built upon treating others with mutual respect and dignity, and the events alleged in this situation are inconsistent with the behavior that we require of our employees.”

Information regarding Haak’s legal representation and whereabouts were unavailable at the time of publication.