American Airlines Passenger Arrested After Attempting to Open Plane Doors Mid-Flight

An American Airlines passenger was arrested after trying to open plane doors mid-flight. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, 26-year-old Eric Nicholas Gapco of Delanco, New Jersey, also intimidated and assaulted flight attendants on July 18.  Gapco was aboard the American Airlines Flight 2101 flying from Seattle to Dallas. 

Because of the incident, the flight was diverted to Salt Lake City International Airport. The US Attorney’s Office wrote, “Gapco failed to follow instructions to remain in his seat, propositioned a flight attendant for sex, was repeatedly loud, vaped, bothered other passengers, locked himself in the lavatory, and attempted to open the aircraft exterior doors multiple times while the aircraft was in flight.”

Officials said other passengers helped restrain Gapco as he attempted to open the plane doors. Gapco was then placed on “flexible restraints” for the rest of the flight. After they landed, Gapco was arrested by law enforcement. 

Consumed 10 Marijuana Edibles

Prosecutors also claimed that Gapco attempted to hand a bag of pills to another passenger. According to court documents, Gapco himself ate “approximately 10 marijuana edibles.” The case is under investigation by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Salt Lake City Police Department. He is  “charged with interference with a flight crew, and attempted damage to an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States”.

An American Airlines spokesperson said, “On July 18, American Airlines flight 2101 with service from Seattle (SEA) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) diverted to Salt Lake City (SLC) due to a disruptive customer.” 

The spokesperson added, “The aircraft was met by law enforcement upon arrival at SLC. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”

Passengers Attempting to Open Plane Doors

However, this is not the first time that a passenger tried to open plane doors mid-flight. In February, a flight to Chicago was diverted as a passenger tried to open plane doors. Other passengers “wrestled” and duct taped him to his seat. Other passengers called the incident “one of the scariest days” of their “life.”