A male passenger was arrested by US authorities in Philadelphia on Thursday after he allegedly attempted to break into the cockpit onboard an American Airlines flight.
The alleged incident occurred on board American Airlines Flight 2392 from Orlando to Philadelphia International Airport, at around 9:20am.
The man, who has not been identified, was displaying “erratic behaviour” and making “alarming statements” to cabin crew onboard the flight, according to a statement from the airline.
The man reportedly approached a flight attendant while walking towards the door of the Airbus A321’s cockpit, stating that he needed to speak with the pilot. The man was also not wearing a face mask, and in violation of American Airlines’ policy.
According to a report by NBC Philadelphia, another passenger onboard the plane said the man allegedly also asked “Where’s my parachute?” as he slowly moved towards the flight deck door.
This comment reportedly caused a number of people on board to jump up in preparation to block the man’s access to the cabin doors and flight deck, according to that same passenger.
The airline has since denied that the man involved had made any progress in his attempt to enter the cockpit or speak to the pilot, instead claiming that he made his way back to his seat shortly after making these “alarming” comments to the cabin crew.
Once seated, the man was accompanied by a male flight attendant and another male passenger until the plane landed, without incident, according to police.
“At no point did the subject attempt to leave his seat for the [remaining] duration of the flight,” the police said.
No weapons or injuries were reported, and following being taken into custody, the man is reportedly not facing any local or federal charges.
The man was later taken to hospital for observation.
