A United flight’s approach to Newark Liberty International Airport turned tense Saturday evening when a passenger allegedly attacked a flight attendant and tried to get into the cockpit, authorities say. A 48-year-old man was restrained and later taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation, according to the Port Authority Police Department. One person declined medical treatment, CNN reports, and no other injuries were reported.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot of United Flight 1837 declaring an emergency, saying a man had assaulted a crew member and attempted to open the forward cabin door and access the flight deck, reports NBC News. “Oh, my God,” ground control said in response. The Boeing 737 Max 8 was carrying 170 passengers and six crew from the Dominican Republic. It landed around 6:25pm. The FAA said it will investigate; the episode adds to nearly 500 unruly-passenger reports filed with the agency so far this year.
