Flight attendant injured, passengers hold disruptive man during flight to DFW Airport

DALLAS, Texas (KTVT) – A flight attendant was injured when she tried to stop a disruptive man from opening a cabin door on an American Airlines flight from Milwaukee to DFW Airport on Tuesday, according to airport police.

Several passengers stepped in to help and held the man down, eventually duct-taping his wrists and ankles while the pilots landed the plane safely.

The plane landed just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, and police at DFW Airport and FBI agents intercepted the man and took him into custody for a mental health evaluation.

Authorities say the passenger became anxious when he told a flight attendant he had to leave the plane.

According to a report from the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety:

The stewardess was in the front galley when the man approached her, initially thinking she was throwing away the cup.
The man complimented her on her watch and mask, then told her she had to leave the plane immediately.
His voice became louder and more agitated, prompting the flight attendant to ask for help and signal nearby passengers.
She positioned herself between the man and the cabin door, blocking his access.
The man lunged at her and hit her hard when she tried to block the door.
Another passenger tried to talk to a man who claimed to be “The Captain” and insisted that he get off the plane.
Despite the intervention of other people, the man still did not want to cooperate.
Finally, it took three people to pin the man down and keep him on the floor.

According to DFW Airport police, a flight attendant with injuries to her left wrist and neck was taken to Medical City Las Colinas.

“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we thank our team members and customers for navigating this difficult situation,” American Airlines said in a statement.

While police at DFW Airport investigate, the Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating.