United Flight Returns to Gate at O’Hare After Passenger Tries to Force Way Into Cockpit

Authorities delayed a United Airlines plane flying out of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on Friday after a passenger tried to enter the cockpit. 

A 31-year-old male passenger, unidentified publicly by name, caused a scene on a flight heading from Chicago to Los Angeles, the Chicago Police Department said in a statement to The Messenger. He "exited his seat and began moving about the cabin and talking in a repetitive manner," police said.

The Federal Aviation Administration told The Messenger in a statement that the passenger was "not successful" at opening the flight deck and exit doors.

But around 9 p.m. CT, pilots had to return to the gate because the unruly passenger had disrupted takeoff plans. 

The passenger, who appeared to "possibly" be in crisis, police said, tried to open the exit doors and enter the cockpit. Once the plane returned to the gate, law enforcement agents were waiting to escort them off the plane. 

Police said officers who escorted him off the plane took him to an area hospital for evaluation.

United Airlines told The Messenger that the flight was canceled once the passenger got off the plane.