United Airlines Flight Diverted After Passenger Attempts Cockpit Entry

Security Incident Diverts United Flight to Madison

A passenger allegedly attempted to breach the cockpit, forcing a United Airlines flight to make an unscheduled landing.

Incident Details

Sequence of Events

• According to air traffic control audio, the passenger made multiple attempts to breach the cockpit.
• Law enforcement officers who were traveling on the flight restrained the passenger and kept him seated until landing.
• The aircraft landed safely at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, shortly before 9:30 p.m. local time.

Response and Detainment

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Milwaukee Field Office was notified.
• The FBI's Madison office and local law enforcement responded to the airport.
• A subject was detained by the Dane County Sheriff's Office.
• Officials have not disclosed the passenger's identity or whether charges have been filed.

Witness Account

Passenger Mike Rundle reported that during taxiing before takeoff, the man stood up and was asked to sit down. Crew members requested a passenger who spoke Russian to assist with interpretation. During the flight, Rundle observed commotion and the man being led back to his seat. After the plane diverted to Madison, police boarded and handcuffed the man.

Official Statements

• United Airlines confirmed that the diversion addressed a "security concern with an unruly passenger."
• FBI spokesperson Caroline Clancy stated that the subject was detained and that passengers resumed their flight.

Outcome

• After the passenger was removed, the flight continued to Minneapolis.
• The aircraft landed in Minneapolis shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

Broader Context

• The Federal Aviation Administration has 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.