United Airlines passenger jumps from Boeing 737 to take a taxi
Regardless of how long the actual flight is, it’s just like the time from landing to being able to step off the plane is the longest part of any flight. I often have to constantly remind myself that it’s only a few minutes before I get to the station. However, I never thought the wait was long enough to consider jumping off the plane and running across the runway to the terminal.
At 4:30 a.m. Thursday, a United Airlines flight 2478 landed at O’Hare Airport in Chicago after departing from San Diego, California. As the Boeing 737-900ER approached its gate, Randy Frank Davila, for some strange reason, decided to open the exit door. Passengers then climbed onto the plane’s wings and disembarked at the O’Hare apron. Ground crews arrested the 57-year-old Californian man and have also contacted local law enforcement.
A statement from United Airlines did not expand on the widely reported sequence of events:
“This morning United Flight 2478 was heading towards Chicago O’Hare Gate when a passenger opened the plane’s door and exited the plane. Our ground crew intercepted a person outside the plane, and this person is currently with law enforcement. The plane then reached the gate and all passengers landed safely. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.”
His other passengers and even the 911 dispatcher were stunned by what had transpired. I just wanted to know what this guy’s playstyle was when he opened that door. Does he think he can cross the runway, enter the terminal, and leave the airport? Does he only have hand luggage or is he planning to pick up his luggage at the carousel? He must now be scheduled to appear in court at the end of June.