FILE PHOTO 10MAY99 - Marine Capt. Richard Ashby who was flying the plane that sheared a gondola cable in the Italian Alps in 1998 and sent 20 people plunging to their deaths has been freed from prison after five months, a friend said on October 11. Ashby (R) walks out of the courtroom after he was sentenced to six months in prison and dismissal from the service in this May 10, 1999 file photo. Walking behind are Maj. William Weber (L) and Ashby's mother Carol Anderson (center back).

RBD/JP