An American Airlines flight headed to Newark was forced to make an unscheduled landing. The cause was not technological or weather-related. Instead, the diversion came after a passenger allegedly became increasingly disruptive in first class and went as far as to reportedly attack another traveler.
Two nearby passengers allegedly leaped into action to intervene, eventually using zip ties and duct tape to keep the man restrained until the plane could land.
The disturbance happened Sept. 3 aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport from Dallas-Fort Worth. The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight landed safely at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport at around 10:15 p.m.
In a statement shared by CBS Texas, American Airlines shared, “The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed.”
The Cabin Went From Quiet to Chaos
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Juan Mejia and Richard Olenick were seated two rows ahead of the passenger and later described what happened, as reported by CBS News New York. Mejia said the interaction had been calm until the man suddenly began yelling and allegedly grabbed the passenger beside him around the neck.
“Just like a light switch, all of a sudden,” recounted Mejia, as reported by CBS News New York, “it went from quiet to yelling and chaos.”
The two men helped restrain him after the situation became physical. A flight attendant supplied zip ties, and the passengers used duct tape to secure his wrists and torso to the seat.
Mejia said the passenger fought back and bit his hand, although the bite did not break the skin. Olenick also said the man directed a racial slur at a flight attendant.
The men told CBS News New York that they did not know what triggered the behavior. They believed alcohol may have played a role, although Mejia recalled a flight attendant saying the passenger had been served only one drink.
State Charges Followed the Diversion
Maryland Transportation Authority Police later identified the passenger as 67-year-old Arthur Lundeen of Arizona, according to a Sept. 4 update from WBAL. Police said he was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault, WBAL reports.
Paramedics also examined Lundeen for an open wound on his arm after officers took him into custody, WBAL reports.
The FBI is separately investigating what happened while the plane was in the air. In a statement reported by CBS Texas, the FBI said agents were conducting interviews and would consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland about whether federal charges were warranted.
The FAA is conducting its own investigation. Its current policy emphasizes “a zero-tolerance policy on unruly passenger behavior.” It further warns that interfering with a crew member can violate federal law and that the agency can propose civil penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, separate from any criminal charges.