The Russian Investigative Committee has ordered that Pavel Shapovalov, a 41-year-old resident of Surgut who tried to hijack an Aeroflot flight to Moscow, undergo a mental examination, committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko told reporters.

"A medical examination showed traces of neither drugs nor psychotropic substances nor alcohol in Shapovalov’s blood," she said. "At the same time, given his inadequate behavior on the flight and the gravity of the crime he committed, he will have to undergo a mental examination," Petrenko added.

According to the Investigative Committee spokesperson, Shapovalov has been charged with attempted hijacking involving threats to use violence, under Article 211.2 of the Russian Criminal Code. The Committee pointed out that he already had a criminal record for property damage. The investigation will soon request his arrest.

According to the investigation, Aeroflot flight SU1515 en route from the Siberian city of Surgut to Moscow changed course 15 minutes after takeoff. Shapovalov claimed to have weapons and tried to break into the cockpit, demanding the flight be diverted. The plane changed course and landed in the city of Khanty-Mansiysk, where the perpetrator was detained. He turned out to have no weapons. None of more than 70 passengers and crew members suffered any injuries in the incident.

"Neither weapons nor explosives were found on him," Petrenko noted. During an interrogation, he failed to explain the reason why he had demanded the flight be diverted to Afghanistan.

Investigators have already questioned all adult passengers of the flight, as well as Shapovalov’s family members and acquaintances. His home has been searched.