A United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis was forced to make an emergency landing in Wisconsin after a passenger allegedly attempted to enter the cockpit during the journey, according to reports.
The incident unfolded Friday night aboard United Flight 2005, prompting the aircraft to divert to Dane County Regional Airport in Madison. The passenger was later removed by law enforcement officers, while the flight eventually continued to its destination after a lengthy delay.
According to the New York Post, which cited audio transmissions obtained by 12 News Investigates, the individual made multiple attempts to breach the cockpit area shortly after takeoff, raising security concerns among the crew.
United Airlines confirmed that the diversion stemmed from a "security concern" involving an "unruly passenger" but did not provide additional details about the individual's actions.
What happened aboard the flight?
The Minneapolis-bound flight had been in the air for about 90 minutes when the situation escalated, according to flight-tracking data from FlightAware.
{{/usCountry}}The Minneapolis-bound flight had been in the air for about 90 minutes when the situation escalated, according to flight-tracking data from FlightAware.
{{/usCountry}}Audio transmissions cited by 12 News Investigates suggested that authorities were informed of repeated attempts by the passenger to access the cockpit.
"Don't think they were able to cuff him but were able to get control of him after multiple attempts to try to breach the cockpit," officials reportedly said in the communications.
The transmissions further indicated that the passenger was eventually restrained and monitored while the aircraft prepared to land.
"He is seated in a seat and flanked by law enforcement officers on either side," officials were heard saying.
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Emergency landing in Wisconsin
The aircraft landed at Dane County Regional Airport around 9:30 pm local time. By that point, the flight was reportedly less than an hour away from Minneapolis.
Deputies from the Dane County Sheriff's Office boarded the plane after it landed and removed the passenger. Authorities have not publicly identified the individual, and it remains unclear whether charges have been filed.
Neither law enforcement nor United Airlines has released further information regarding the passenger's motives or behavior.
Flight resumes after several-hour delay
After the passenger was removed, the flight resumed its journey to Minneapolis.
According to FlightAware data, the aircraft eventually landed at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport at approximately 2:19 am, nearly five hours behind schedule.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the onboard disturbance.