A 57-year-old United Airlines passenger was taken into custody after he opened the emergency exit of the aircraft and moved to the wing of the plane while it was taxiing at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The incident took place on United Airlines flight 2478 coming from San Diego.
The man from California was identified as Randy Frank Davila and taken into custody yesterday. Chicago Police said that Randy Frank Davila has been charged with reckless conduct.
“A male subject was onboard a plane that was approaching the gate when he pulled the emergency exit and walked out onto the wing of the plane,” according to a statement from the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
United Airlines said the ground crew stopped the individual outside the aircraft. When the plane arrived at the gate, all passengers deplaned safely, according to a statement from the airline.
Police said he was taken into custody “without incident” and charged with the misdemeanour. He will appear in court on June 27.
This is not the first time unruly passengers have disrupted flight and tried to open doors mid-flight. In February, an American Airlines flight attendant hit a man with a coffee pot after he tried to open the passenger door mid-flight.
Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced largest-ever fines that are quoteworthy- USD 81,950 for a passenger who allegedly hit a flight attendant, tried to open a cabin door, headbutted and tried to kick crew members and passengers. The FAA announced a fine of USD 77,272 for a woman who allegedly tried to “exit during flight” and repeatedly bit another passenger.
