A confrontation between two plane passengers nearly escalated into an airborne massacre during a United Airlines flight.
After assaulting another traveler, a ticked-off passenger attempted to open the plane's doors at 36,000 feet.
Since he was not wearing a parachute, his intentions behind trying to pry the door open were unclear. Either way, the airline made sure to get him off board ASAP.
The flight bound for Guatemala City was forced to make an emergency landing due to the traveler's tantrum, according to FlightAware data.
With 145 passengers aboard and a six-man crew, the Boeing 737 aircraft made an emergency diversion to Washington Dulles, just two hours after departing from Newark International Airport.
Upon arrival, the pilot informed air traffic controllers of the bizarre incident. The audio of the call has been posted on social media.
"United 1551, they're asking me what door did the passenger try to open?" a controller said.
"Door 2L at 36,000 feet and then [the traveler] assaulted a fellow passenger," the pilot replied.
The United pilot also informed air traffic controllers that no injuries were suffered on board.
FBI Investigated Outburst From Rowdy Passenger
As crazy as it sounds for a passenger to attempt to open the door so high up, the altitude actually made it more difficult.
At 30,000 feet, it would be practically impossible for a passenger to open a cabin door due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the aircraft. However, at lower altitudes, it is much more plausible to open an airplane's door in-flight.
United told CBS News in a statement that the flight "was met by law enforcement to address an unruly passenger. The flight was canceled, with a replacement flight added for Friday morning, and customers were provided overnight accommodations."
The FBI investigated the incident at Dulles Airport but didn't provide any further details.
