The man from California was taken into custody on Thursday, 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,” according to a statement from the Chicago Police Department (CPD). “The subject then slid down the wing and onto the airfield,” Chicago Police added.
Randy Frank Davila has been charged with reckless conduct, according to Chicago police. The incident occurred on United Airlines flight 2478 coming from San Diego. United Airlines said the ground crew stopped the individual outside the aircraft. When the plane arrived at the gate, all passengers deplaned safely, according to a statement from the airline.
The airport said the man had been turned over to police.
But dozens of fellow passengers signed a written copy of a statement saying the airline made them wait for four hours without ventilation or water while the flight was delayed. According to photos of the statement posted online, fellow passengers said he acted “to protect everyone, with the support of everyone”.
The airport said in a statement that “yesterday a passenger on a flight to Guatemala opened an emergency door on a plane while it was stationary at a remote position, stood on a wing and then re-entered the cabin, without affecting the aircraft or anyone else”.
“In line with international security regulations, this person turned himself over to the authorities,” it said.
At least 77 passengers aboard the AeroMexico flight signed a statement handwritten on notebook paper, photos of which were posted on social media, supporting the man’s actions.
“The delay and lack of air created conditions that endangered the health of the passengers. He saved our lives,” according to the statement.
An incident report filed with airport authorities largely confirmed that version.
“Around 11:37 am, a Mexican airline reported the beginning of a disturbance due to passenger discontent on flight AM672,” according to the report.
“The flight had been due to lift off at 8:45 am, on Thursday, but because of a maintenance alert on the plane, the captain had to return to the gate for the required maintenance.”
“The passengers were unhappy. One of them opened the emergency door and stepped out on the wing,” the report said. “This event required the plane to be changed.”
Airport authorities did not identify the man, and they declined to comment on whether he remains in custody or faces charges.Flight tracking sites confirmed that flight was delayed for 4 hours and 56 minutes.
A video apparently recorded aboard the flight showed passengers fanning themselves and asking a flight attendant for water. AeroMexico did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.
