Photo by John Taggart, CC BYSA 2.0, via Wikimedia
On Saturday (25th), a Delta Air Lines passenger was arrested after opening the emergency door of a Boeing 757200 and activating the evacuation slide at Los Angeles International Airport minutes before the plane departed. The unidentified passenger, who was wearing a red and navy striped sweater and black trousers, is said to have argued with a flight attendant before the flight.
According to the passengers, the flight attendant insisted that the man sit down, but he refused, went straight to the emergency exit doors, opened them and slid down the evacuation slide. After this action, the plane had to stop and the airport officials managed to hold it until the police arrived.
Los Angeles Airport Police said the FBI was briefed on the incident and the passenger was taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. Delta Flight 1714, en route from Los Angeles to Seattle, returned to the gate and the aircraft had to be replaced on this flight.
“The plane was waiting to taxi for takeoff when the passenger disembarked,” confirmed Delta Air Lines in a statement reported by FOX News. “Customers will be rebooked on a new aircraft and we apologize for the inconvenience and delay in their travel plans.”
Due to the incident, the flight was delayed for 3 hours. Video taken on board shows the passenger being arrested by police (see below, waiting for loading).
A passenger aboard a Delta Airlines Boeing 757231 operating a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle was arrested Saturday after opening an emergency exit door.
📹Courtesy: @giliansheldon pic.twitter.com/RP9eTX49fX
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) March 27, 2023