DENVER -- A man accused of disrupting an airline flight and prompting the military to tail the plane with two jets says he doesn't remember the events that got him into trouble.

Muhammad Abu Tahir, of Glen Allen, Va., pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Denver federal court to interfering with a crew on an AirTran Airways flight from Atlanta to San Francisco on Jan. 8. Authorities say he drank five mini-bottles of wine, locked himself in a lavatory to shave and then became unruly when he was asked to return to his seat.

The plane was diverted to Colorado Springs, Colo., where Tahir was arrested.

Outside court, Tahir said he was told by a flight attendant that he was OK when he went to the lavatory to shave. But after that, Tahir said, he remembers nothing.

Two F-16 fighter jets under the direction of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region were scrambled after the pilot of a commercial flight reported a drunken passenger locked in a lavatory.

The incident began when Tahir asked for more wine after downing three mini-bottles on the flight, according to an affidavit by an FBI agent. He was given another bottle, which he drank while standing in the galley, authorities said. After drinking a fifth bottle in his seat, Tahir went to the bathroom.

Authorities said he opened the bathroom door to place his shoes and socks outside and again to reveal he was shaving with no shirt on.

The affidavit said he refused requests by flight attendants to leave the lavatory and started yelling that he was being disrespected.

Tahir also grabbed the arms and hands of a senior flight attendant who at one point was trying to calm him, authorities said.

Authorities said Tahir stayed in the bathroom when the plane landed.

Originally from Pakistan, Tahir is a permanent U.S. resident. He could face 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.