Passenger screams in Russian, forces cabin and flight changes route in the USA

A passenger shouting in Russian tried to break into the cockpit of a United Airlines flight and caused the aircraft to change its route in the United States on Friday night (29).

Flight 2005, which was heading from Chicago to Minneapolis, was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after the man was considered a threat to safety on board.

In a statement, United Airlines reported that the aircraft had to change its route due to an "undisciplined passenger" who caused a safety concern during the trip. The plane landed safely in Madison, where the suspect was detained by local authorities.

Air traffic control audio reviewed by CNN recorded the crew reporting that the passenger made "multiple attempts to try to break into the flight deck" before being restrained by law enforcement officers traveling in the aircraft itself.

According to FBI spokeswoman Caroline Clancy, federal agents and local security forces were called immediately after landing. "One individual was detained by the Dane County Sheriff's Office and the passengers subsequently resumed travel," it said.

To date, authorities have not disclosed the identity of the passenger, have not said whether he has been formally charged, nor have they detailed what specific actions led to his arrest.

Passenger Mike Rundle told CNN that tension began to build during the flight. According to him, another traveler observed the man near the cockpit and stated that he had made a movement towards a flight attendant, which led several passengers to help her restrain him.

Rundle said he witnessed "a little commotion" a few rows in front of his seat. According to him, the man was taken back to his place by other people present on the aircraft.

Air traffic control records also show the crew informing controllers that law enforcement officers on board had managed to control the situation. The crew also reported that the passenger remained seated and surrounded by agents on both sides until the arrival of external authorities.

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After landing in Madison, police officers boarded the aircraft, apparently handcuffed the man and removed him from the plane, according to Rundle's account.

The FBI reported this Saturday (30) that it had opened an investigation into the incident, but did not release details about the investigation. Questions regarding possible charges were referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin.

According to the passenger, signs that there might be a problem had already appeared before takeoff. While the aircraft was taxiing at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, the man stood up and had to be repeatedly instructed by the crew to remain seated.

Rundle further stated that the flight attendants asked if there was anyone on board who spoke Russian and asked that person to go to the front of the plane to assist with translation. After that, the passenger returned to his seat and the aircraft took off normally.

The flight was operated by a Boeing 737 carrying 147 passengers and six crew members. According to United Airlines, the aircraft landed safely and no injuries were reported.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told CNN that the plane landed without incident after the crew reported a disturbance involving a passenger.

The agency also highlighted that airlines recorded more than 640 incidents involving unruly passengers this year alone. According to the FAA, all cases are investigated and people who attack, threaten, intimidate or interfere with crew work may be subject to civil penalties of up to US$43,658 per infraction.

Source: CNN