On November 26, a passenger aboard a Southwest Airlines flight made a startling move by exiting the plane through the emergency door onto the wing while the aircraft was grounded at a Louisiana airport, according to officials.
The flight was scheduled to depart from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as reported by WSB-TV.
While the plane was stationary at the gate, the passenger opened the emergency door and climbed onto the wing just before 8 p.m., as outlined in a news release from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Subsequently, the individual jumped down to the tarmac, where ground personnel apprehended him until authorities arrived, according to deputies.
A spokesperson for the New Orleans Aviation Board informed McClatchy News that the passenger lacked authorization to disembark from the aircraft.
The man was later transported to a hospital for evaluation, stated the sheriff’s office.
Deputies revealed that the 38-year-old seemed to be undergoing a mental health crisis and has not faced charges. He is believed to be from Atlanta.
Eventually, the flight proceeded to Atlanta, confirmed a Southwest Airlines spokesperson in an email to McClatchy News. The journey continued to its final destination in Baltimore after a plane swap.
Southwest Airlines expressed appreciation for the prompt response of its flight and ground crews, extending apologies to customers for any inconvenience caused.
The investigation into the incident was handed over to federal authorities, as per Jefferson Parish deputies. The individual’s identity remains undisclosed.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is situated in Kenner, Louisiana, approximately 15 miles northwest of New Orleans.
