American Airlines passenger duct-taped to first-class seat, flight diverts to BWI

A disruptive passenger was restrained with duct tape aboard an American Airlines flight, forcing an emergency landing at Baltimore's BWI Marshall Airport.

Passenger duct-taped to seat after racial abuse and violence on American Airlines flight

An American Airlines passenger was bound to a first-class seat with duct tape after becoming violent and directing racist remarks at a Black flight attendant, Google News MT reports. The incident forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington International Marshall Airport (BWI).

According to multiple outlets cited by Google News MT, including CNN and NBC New York, the passenger made erratic and aggressive moves during the flight, which had been heading to Newark. Crew members restrained the individual using duct tape before the plane diverted to BWI.

Reports indicate the passenger directed a racial slur at a Black flight attendant, in addition to engaging in physical violence. The exact sequence of events leading to the restraint has not been fully detailed by airline officials in publicly available statements at the time of reporting.

Law enforcement was waiting at BWI Marshall Airport upon landing. The identity of the passenger has not been confirmed in available reports.

American Airlines has not issued a detailed public statement on the specific circumstances of the restraint, though the use of duct tape by cabin crew to subdue unruly passengers — while uncommon — has precedent in aviation incident records. The flight was subsequently able to continue operations after the passenger was removed from the aircraft.

Source: Google News MT