Plane Makes Emergency Landing After 'Unruly Passenger' Triggers Level 4 Threat American Airlines flight 3444 was headed towards Washington, D.C., but made an emergency stop in Raleigh, North Carolina.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Pandemic-related air travel precautions and restrictions really seemed to bring out the worst in people. But although most airlines (especially in the U.S.) have returned to pre-COVID regulations, some passengers are still finding ways to misbehave.

Such was the case for one passenger who reportedly tried to breach the cockpit on an American Airlines flight that was set to land in Washington, D.C., and caused the plane to make an emergency landing in Raleigh, North Carolina.

"Flight to DC diverted to another airport midflight for unruly passenger," Tweeted passenger Jim Wynn from the plane. "Greeting party including FBI looks friendly. Whew #lucky."

The flight departed from Jacksonville, Florida around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday and landed in Raleigh around 3:40 p.m.

The pilot, who made the call via Air Traffic control, reported the incident as a Level 4 threat, the highest possible level which codes for an "attempted or actual breach of the flight deck" with examples of such a threat being "mentally disturbed individuals" and "goal-oriented hijackers."

"FAA is investigating an unruly passenger on a flight that landed safely at RDU," the Federal Aviation Agency said via social media.

American Airlines said that the plane landed at Raleigh Durham International Airport's Gate C9 where law enforcement then boarded the plane and took the suspect into custody, per CNN.

According to the outlet, the unidentified passenger (who was reportedly a woman suffering from a panic attack) ran at the door of the cockpit unsuccessfully without breaching it. The woman will face an "airport obstruction" charge in North Carolina.

"The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina to determine if federal charges will be filed," an FBI spokesperson told Fox Business.

The investigation is currently pending.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Marketing

Why Micro-Influencers Are Winning the Trust Game in Marketing

Here's how micro-influencers are driving authentic brand engagement and redefining trust in digital marketing.

Living

The 3 Lifestyle Habits That Made Me Sharper, Stronger and More Successful

These three simple yet powerful lifestyle changes transformed my productivity, energy and mindset. Here's how you can do the same.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.

Business Solutions

You and Your Kids Can Develop Future-Proof Tech Skills for Only $56

Develop future-proof tech skills even if you have no previous tech experience, such as data storytelling, Python, ChatGTP, Internet of Things and more.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.