An American Airlines flight from Milwaukee to Texas experienced a significant disruption when a passenger attacked a flight attendant and attempted to exit the plane mid-flight. The incident occurred on November 19, with passengers and crew members stepping in to subdue the man.
According to reports, the man insisted he needed to leave the plane, claiming he was the “Captain.” His actions resulted in injuries to the flight attendant and required immediate intervention by fellow passengers.
Doug McCright, a passenger from McKinney, Texas, was among those who restrained the unruly individual. McCright, seated near the altercation, noticed the escalating situation as the flight attendant repeatedly asked the man to return to his seat.
When the man refused and declared his intention to leave the flight, McCright intervened. The situation turned physical when the man jumped on the flight attendant in an attempt to reach the cabin door.
With the assistance of two other passengers, including Charlie Boris, McCright subdued the man, taping his hands and feet. The group worked together to keep the individual restrained for the remaining 30 minutes of the flight.
Passenger Attempts to Exit Mid-Flight, Attacks Crew Before Being Restrained by Fellow Travelers
Boris described the experience as a “fight or flight situation,” emphasizing the collective effort that ensured everyone’s safety. The flight ultimately landed safely at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport shortly after 10 a.m.
Upon landing, FBI agents and airport police boarded the plane, removing the disruptive passenger in a wheelchair. The man was taken for a mental evaluation, while the injured flight attendant was transported to a hospital for treatment of wrist and neck injuries. Passengers remained on board until the situation was resolved, with officials commending the quick response from those involved.
The airline confirmed that the restraint tape used to secure the passenger was part of the onboard safety kit, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. The event highlighted the importance of passenger cooperation in ensuring flight safety during emergencies and demonstrated how swift, coordinated action can mitigate potential threats in mid-air.
