Passenger Tries to Open Exit Door on Alaska Airlines Flight While Plane in Air, FBI Says. A passenger who made "unusual" statements and tried to open an airplane door in-flight today was subdued by passengers and crew members until the plane landed in Portland, Ore. He was taken into custody, federal officials said.
Authorities said the incident unfolded as the flight, with 137 passengers onboard, began its descent into the Portland area.
Passengers and crew members who were interviewed by Port of Portland Police officers said Herrera made unusual statements before he tried to open the door. But federal officials declined to elaborate on what Herrera might have said.
Ryan Oelrich told ABC News he was sleeping onboard the flight when he awoke to a "loud hissing noise" and "lots of screaming."
"My first thought was that the plane must be going down, but then I heard someone screaming to stop him, take him down," he said. "I looked behind me and in the exit row was a very large gentleman who was attempting to open the exit row door."
Oelrich said passengers seated near Herrera in Row 17 jumped on him and held him down until flight attendants could bring restraints.
Alaska Airlines said the emergency door on the 737-800 is equipped with a lock to prevent it from being opened in-flight.
The airline said crew members did an excellent job restraining Herrera, who sat calmly until the flight landed and he was handed over to federal authorities.
Oelrich, who is a frequent business traveler, said he was thankful his fellow passengers stepped in to defuse the situation. Read more
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