Chicago: In a daringly dangerous act, an airline passenger opened the emergency exit of the aircraft before the crew realized what was happening and walked out onto the wing of the plane as it was taxiing at Chicago’s O’Hare International airport.
The incident took place on United Airlines flight 2478, flying from San Diego to Chicago. The 57-year-old United Airlines passenger, identified as Randy Frank Davila, has been taken into custody, CNN reported.
“A male subject was onboard a plane that was approaching the gate when he pulled the emergency exit and walked out onto the wing of the plane. The subject then slid down the wing and onto the airfield,” Chicago Police Department said in a statement.
Davila has been charged with reckless conduct. He will appear in court on June 27, CBS News reported.
The ground crew got hold of the man outside the aircraft. All passengers deplaned safely, according to the airline.
Incidents of unruly behaviour have been on the rise in the US, with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receiving more than 5,500 cases in 2021.
FAA has been trying to address the issue by compiling internal ban lists and slapping fines.
Last month, a passenger was fined a record $81,950 for allegedly hitting and headbutting a flight attendant when he was stopped from opening a cabin door.
