A Delta flight was interrupted after a large man tried to strong-arm an aircraft door open before being subdued by fellow passengers. But even his great strength could not get the door open.
Fellow Passengers Subdue Troubled Man Who Attempted To Open Aircraft Door Mid-Flight
The incident occurred last Sunday onboard Delta 2349, an Airbus A321 operating between Atlanta and Boston. Mid-flight, a passenger attempted to open a cabin door. One witness estimated the man weighed nearly 300 pounds.
It’s practically impossible to open a door mid-flight thanks to aircraft pressurization. But “Hercules” decided to try anyway, bolting for the aircraft’s front door and knocking over a flight attendant in the process.
He was promptly tackled then subdued by other passengers onboard. One passenger lent her belt, while another tied up Hercules. The flight did not divert. Instead, law enforcement and medical personnel met the aircraft upon arrival in Boston. Apparently, the man screamed, “Let me out of here, this isn’t my home!” for the rest of the flight.
Here’s some video from the incident as well as an interview of one of the passengers who subdued the man:
A Delta spokesperson only noted:
Law enforcement officials and medical personnel met Delta Flight 2349 operating from Atlanta to Boston upon arrival due to a disruptive customer on board.
CONCLUSION
Kudos to the passengers and crew for subduing this passenger. I often think diversions are unnecessary and while it would not have ben wholly unreasonable to dump off this passenger, the watchful eyes of fellow passengers (and a strong belt) kept others safe.
It is not clear if alcohol was involved. If not, I hope the man gets the help he needs to overcome what can only be described as a horrific outburst onboard.
(H/T: C Boarding Group // image: Mark French)
Per the video, “this isn’t my HOME” not “phone”.
I agree that a diversion does not seem to have been needed but what if the man then had a stroke. Lawsuit, of course.
People are unaware of physics. It is impossible for a human being to open that door in the middle of your flight at 30,000+ feet.
Push on a brick building as hard as you can and see what happens. That same nothing will happen with a door during the middle of your flight.
Should society start to talk about the increase in mentally ill people roaming the streets? Some of which do pose a threat to themselves and others?
Was did you dub him Hercules? 300 lb does not make one strong. Could have been a tub of lard. Now once that 300 lbs. gets moving in one direction it may be hard to stop it but Hercules? Come on man! One good vulcan neck pinch and he’s down for the count.
Any idea who Hercules was? “ Hercules was famous for his strength”. That is why he is calling this lunatic Hercules. He probably thought he was strong enough to open that door.
Why is no one making fun of this man’s weight? What a slob. He probably smelled as well and was crop dusting.
LOL — You win the interwebz for the day.
LOL
Since 911 we have not had a single US aircraft hijacked. Kudos to the passengers who all realize it’s their asses on the line and if they don’t intervene there is no one going to save them. With hardened cockpit door I am rest assured that the passengers will muster and take care of all threats. Airlines are no longer a soft target.
Lol. You guys are entertaining. Keep it up!