Passenger Attacks Flight Attendant and Cockpit on United Air Flight to Newark

A passenger on a United Airlines flight from Washington, D.C. to Newark was arrested after behaving erratically during the flight and attacking a flight attendant.

The passenger, Matthew Dingley, ran up to the cockpit door and began hitting it shortly before landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.   He then attacked the flight attendant who attempted to stop him.

Other passengers on the flight, which was operated by United Express carrier CommutAir, intervened and held him down.

Upon landing, the aircraft was met by Port Authority police officers.  Media reports indicate that Dingley charged at the officers and injured six of them, causing one to fall down the mobile staircase and break four ribs.

“CommutAir Flight 4965… was met by local law enforcement due to a disruptive passenger,” the airline said.  “We express our gratitude for the quick reaction of our passengers and crew who responded during this incident.”

(Photo: Accura Media Group)