On Tuesday in Buffalo, New York, a California woman went on a tirade against airline employees and evacuated a flight using the emergency exit and inflatable slide moments before takeoff.
Cynthia McKnight, according to WIBV 4, reportedly ran around the airport tarmac before being captured by authorities. McKnight was traveling on an American Airlines trip from New York to Chicago.
“Cynthia McKnight faces a number of charges including disorderly conduct, harassment, trespass, and criminal mischief,” NFTA Director of Public Affairs Helen Tederous told News 4. “According to detectives, McKnight actually opened the cabin door of the plane. The American Airlines flight was on route to Chicago.”
Following the incident, the pilot was forced to return the plane to the gate.
And off into the sunset she goes folks 😂 pic.twitter.com/ig4FFtE5An
— Spencer Brown (@TooTallo_o) April 19, 2022
McKnight’s spectacular escape coincides with an increase of unruly passengers, with many of the incidents focusing on masks.
After a federal judge in Florida struck down President Joe Biden’s mask rule, which covered flights, airports, and public transit, major airlines ended mask restrictions on Monday.
