On December 22, we reported on the anxious flier who stepped out onto the wing of a plane just after touchdown. Surveillance footage of the incident has finally come to light.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The video was obtained by some outlets, courtesy of Port of Seattle. The video footage shows a passenger swinging open the emergency door and walking out onto the plane. The passenger, wearing a red striped top and holding her carry-on luggage, walks to the edge of the wing and sits down, dangling her legs over the side.
When WOC and other outlets reported this incident last week, the passenger was reported as an anxious flier who desperately needed to exit the plane. Although the flight had landed, the claustrophobic woman couldn't stand another second in the cabin.
However, the footage shows the passenger being rather relaxed as she walks to the edge and waves at staff. She seems comfortable sitting on the edge, making the motive more suspicious. Although it makes sense for her to have been immediately calmed once out of the stressful environment.
Anxious Flier Sat On The Wing Of The Plane For 12 Minutes
The unnamed anxious flier was sat on the wing for 12 minutes before firefighters were able to get her down, according to a spokesperson speaking to KIRO 7.
She was then sent to the hospital for a medical evaluation, although the outcome of the visit is still unknown.
The incident occurred on flight 323. It had traveled from Milwaukee to Seattle and had landed around 5 pm when the passenger exited through the emergency door.
She seemed to sit on the wing awaiting to be helped down. It looks like she couldn't face even a brief moment back in the plane. She may have been waving at staff to accelerate the rescue efforts. Where she was sat, she was about 8 ft from the ground.
It's clear that the passenger shouldn't be permitted entry to another plane unless steps have been made to manage her anxiety. Such stunts cause delays and can prove a danger to passengers.
