United Airlines Flight Diverted After Passenger Attempts to Breach Cockpit
A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday evening following an incident involving a passenger on board. The aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported.
Incident Details
United Airlines Flight UA2005, a Boeing 737-900, departed Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 8:02 p.m. CDT on Friday. The flight was carrying 147 passengers and six crew members.
According to air traffic control audio recordings, a passenger made multiple attempts to breach the cockpit. Off-duty law enforcement officers traveling on the flight restrained the passenger and kept him seated until landing.
The aircraft was diverted to Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, landing at 9:29 p.m. CDT.
Passenger Description and Response
The Dane County Sheriff's Office identified the passenger as a 75-year-old man. According to the sheriff's office, the man appeared confused and was experiencing a mental health crisis. His family in Minnesota was contacted.
Passenger Mike Rundle reported that before takeoff, during taxiing, the man stood up and was asked to sit down. Crew members requested a Russian-speaking passenger to assist with communication.
Law Enforcement Involvement
Law enforcement officials on the aircraft subdued the passenger before landing. After the plane landed, deputies from the Dane County Sheriff's Office boarded, handcuffed the man, and detained him.
The FBI's Milwaukee Field Office was notified, and its Madison office responded to the scene. FBI spokesperson Caroline Clancy confirmed that the subject was detained by the Dane County Sheriff's Office. The FBI is investigating the incident.
Outcome
No criminal charges were being pursued at the time, according to the sheriff's office.
After the passenger was removed, the remaining passengers resumed their flight. The aircraft departed Madison at 1:25 a.m. CDT and landed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at 2:19 a.m. Saturday.
Wider Context
The Federal Aviation Administration has noted that airlines reported over 640 unruly passenger incidents in 2023. The FAA investigates all such disturbances and can propose civil penalties up to $43,658 per violation for interfering with crew members.
Officials have not disclosed the passenger's identity.