Miami-Bound American Airlines Plane Grounded After Passenger Rushes Into Cockpit, Damages Controls – CBS Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A Miami-bound American Airlines flight had to be grounded Tuesday night after a passenger rushed into the cockpit and damaged some controls.

American Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that the individual has since been taken into custody by local law enforcement.

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According to the airline, during boarding of a flight from San Pedro Sula, Honduras to Miami, the passenger “entered the open flight deck and caused damage to the aircraft.”

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CBS News has learned that after damaging the flight controls, the traveler tried exiting through a cockpit window when a pilot intervened.

As a result of the damage, the plane was grounded. A replacement aircraft is on its way. The flight is now scheduled to re-depart at 9:30 p.m. local time.

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“We applaud our outstanding crew members for their professionalism in handling a difficult situation,” American Airlines said in a statement.