San Antonio, Texas – An incident on an American Airlines flight has led to a passenger being sued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after allegedly causing a disturbance mid-flight.
Heather Wells, 34, was flying from Dallas to Charlotte, North Carolina, when she reportedly began acting out on the aircraft. Reports indicate that she was seen “biting” and spitting at both staff and passengers, as well as allegedly trying to open the front cabin door. A viral video captured Wells being duct-taped to her seat following the incident.
The FAA initially fined Wells a record amount of $81,950 in civil penalties in response to the incident. Now, a lawsuit has been filed in San Antonio’s federal court on behalf of the FAA seeking to collect the money owed by Wells. The lawsuit alleges that Wells became disruptive after consuming alcohol during the flight, and attempted to access the front cabin door.
According to the legal filings, Wells began behaving erratically, making incoherent statements to passengers before attempting to reach the front of the plane. Despite efforts from flight attendants to intervene, Wells allegedly became physically aggressive, leading to her being restrained with duct tape and flex cuffs to ensure the safety of others on the flight.
The lawsuit further details how Wells continued to be a threat even after landing in Charlotte, prompting law enforcement to sedate her before removal from the aircraft. The incident raised concerns about the safety and security of passengers and crew onboard the flight.
Authorities have not confirmed any criminal charges against Wells in connection to the incident. However, the FAA’s decision to pursue legal action highlights the severity of disruptive behavior on flights, emphasizing the importance of adhering to aviation rules and regulations to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the consequences of endangering flight safety and the potential legal ramifications that may follow. As cases of unruly passengers on flights continue to pose challenges for airlines and regulators, it underscores the need for strict enforcement of aviation laws to maintain the safety and security of air travel.