A United Airlines flight heading to Minneapolis had to make an emergency landing in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday. This decision came after a passenger reportedly attempted to breach the cockpit, according to audio from air traffic control.
The flight, which departed from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at around 8 PM CDT, landed safely in Madison due to safety issues involving an unruly passenger, as stated by United Airlines.
About 90 minutes after taking off, the flight touched down at Dane County Regional Airport. While United did not specify the exact nature of the security threat, the air traffic control audio indicated that several passengers tried to gain access to the cockpit.
A crew member remarked during the air traffic communication that, although the situation seemed tense, the passenger was eventually subdued, and law enforcement was present to assist. “I believe he’s back in his seat now, and officers are with him,” they noted.
Further details, gathered from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office scanner audio, revealed that five off-duty law enforcement officers were on board at the time and had the suspect in custody.
The erratic passenger was removed from the aircraft around 10:30 PM CDT. The FBI later confirmed that they were notified of the diversion and responded promptly, resulting in the passenger being taken into custody before the flight continued.
Authorities, including the Madison Police Department and the TSA, have been contacted for additional information regarding the incident.
