ATLANTA (AP) - Federal authorities in Florida have arrested a 42-year-old man in connection with a false threat against an AirTran Airways flight out of Orlando that was bound for Atlanta.

The FBI says Jerry Williams of Auburndale made a general threat to Orlando International Airport at 7:20 p.m. Monday. It was significant enough to cause an investigation.

Williams is charged with conveying false information in violation of an airline safety statute. He made an initial federal court appearance in Orlando and will be detained until another hearing later this week.

AirTran officials say the man claimed his wife was on flight 856 from Orlando and made a threat against the flight. The plane landed in a remote area at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Officers searched it, but nothing suspicious was found.

The plane was carrying 98 passengers and five crew members.


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