An Airtran flight was diverted to Memphis, Tenn. after a disturbed passenger tried to open the emergency exit in the rear of the aircraft according to upi.com.
"Everyone was really calm and in good spirits and understanding," passenger Tara Hamilton told journalism website upi.com, who was with her young son. "Luckily there were military personnel on the plane and they were really accommodating. It could have been way worse but it wasn't that bad."
The passenger had to be controlled by off-duty military personnel UPI reported. The plane was on its way from Baltimore to Austin, Texas UPI.
According to UPI, the flight was sent to Memphis at 6:30 p.m. on Monday forcing the 120 passengers on board to get off the aircraft. Passengers were allowed board at 8:24 p.m. to continue their treks after interviews with the FBI and airport police upi.com reported.
Memphis Selby County Airport Authority Vice President of Operations John Greaud told UPI the passenger didn't appear to be drunk when he was removed from the aircraft by four military members through the emergency exit. The men changed their seats in order to restrain the passenger until pilots had a chance to land the plane in Memphis, UPI reported.
According to the news site, the man was acting suicidal and expressing "he didn't want to live."
The passenger was taken in a police car by the FBI after being questioned for two hours UPI reported. The FBI is seeing if the man will face charges. Geraud also told UPI that no one was injured during the incident. The door also remained closed throughout all the stops on the flight.
