Passenger Tried to Breach Cockpit on United Airlines Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing
A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin after a passenger repeatedly tried to break into the cockpit, prompting the pilots to issue a hijacking alert code.
Passenger Tried to Breach Cockpit on United Airlines Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing
A United Airlines jet traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis was rerouted to Madison, Wisconsin on Friday evening after a passenger made multiple attempts to force his way into the cockpit, according to Interia and CNN.
Crew members reported that the man "repeatedly tried to break into the cockpit," creating a safety threat. The pilots issued code 7500, the aviation signal for a hijacking attempt.
The Boeing 737 landed safely at Dane County Regional Airport. FBI spokesperson Caroline Clancy confirmed that local authorities took the passenger into custody after touchdown.
CNN reviewed air traffic control recordings in which the flight crew of United Airlines 2005 informed controllers that the passenger had made repeated cockpit intrusion attempts before being subdued by law enforcement officers who happened to be traveling on the same aircraft.
The crew also relayed that once the situation was under control, the man was seated and "surrounded" by officers. Additional personnel boarded only after landing.
Authorities have not released the suspect's identity or any charges filed. The circumstances leading to the incident remain undisclosed.
A fellow traveler, Mike Rundle, described the tense moments to CNN. He said another passenger spotted the man near the front of the plane, apparently trying to grab a flight attendant, and urged several men to restrain him.
Rundle noticed "minor commotion" a few rows ahead, then saw a group escorting the man back to his seat. Shortly after, the aircraft "turned around and headed to Madison." Upon landing, officers placed the man in handcuffs and removed him from the plane.
Rundle also said crew members asked whether any passengers spoke Russian, seeking someone to help translate. Eventually the man sat down and the flight proceeded.
The aircraft carried 147 passengers and six crew members. United Airlines stated that the plane landed without incident and no injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed to CNN that the diversion followed a report of passenger disorder. The agency noted that airlines have reported over 640 unruly passenger incidents this year alone, and the FAA may impose civil penalties of up to $43,658 per violation.
Source: Interia