Doctor: Lack of sleep prompted pilot's breakdown

3:09 PM, Jul 10, 2012   |    comments
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LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - A psychologist says a JetBlue Airways pilot who screamed about religion and terrorists during a flight had "a brief psychotic disorder" due to lack of sleep.

The psychologist testified during Clayton Osbon's trial in Texas. A court transcript of the testimony was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.

The judge presiding over the brief trial July 3 ruled that Osbon was not guilty by reason of insanity for his behavior on a March 27 flight from New York to Las Vegas. He was charged with interference with a flight crew.

Passengers said they wrestled Osbon to the floor after he ran through the plane's cabin yelling about Jesus and al-Qaida. The plane was diverted to Texas.

Osbon is now at a mental health facility for further examination.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)