MADISON — United Airlines Flight 2005 was diverted from its route from Chicago to Minneapolis to Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday night after a passenger made multiple attempts to access the cockpit and was restrained by onboard law enforcement officers. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 carrying 147 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at Dane County Regional Airport, and no injuries were reported.
The diversion followed a disturbance involving a passenger described by the airline as “disruptive.” Audio reviewed by CNN captured flight crew members stating the passenger made “multiple attempts to access the cockpit” before being secured. Before takeoff at O’Hare International Airport, the same passenger had stood up during taxiing and was repeatedly asked to sit down. Crew members also asked if anyone onboard spoke Russian and requested that person to assist with interpretation.
According to passenger Mike Rundle, a fellow traveler saw the man near the cockpit attempting to reach a flight attendant, after which several men restrained him. Rundle said he witnessed “a bit of commotion” a few rows ahead and saw people escorting the man back to his seat. He added that the plane “made a U-turn and was diverted to Madison.” After landing, Rundle said police boarded the aircraft, appeared to handcuff the man, and removed him.
In communications with ground controllers, the flight crew reported the passenger was “seated” and “guarded” by law enforcement officers on either side before external authorities boarded. The passenger was detained by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office following the landing. FBI spokesperson Caroline Clancy stated that the Madison FBI Resident Agency from Milwaukee and local law enforcement partners responded immediately.
Officials have not disclosed the passenger’s identity, whether charges have been filed, or the specific actions that led to the detention. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the flight landed safely after the crew reported a passenger disturbance. The FAA noted it investigates all such incidents and may pursue civil fines of up to US$43,658 per violation for passengers who interfere with crew members.