Passenger Disturbance Forces Diversion in Nashville
Just two days later, on Friday, another aviation emergency unfolded aboard United Airlines Flight 6378, operated by Mesa Airlines. The flight departed Pittsburgh International Airport and was bound for George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
According to the FAA, the crew reported a “passenger disturbance” involving two verbally abusive passengers. The situation escalated to the point that the pilot diverted the plane to Nashville International Airport, landing safely just before 2 p.m.
A Mesa Airlines spokesperson confirmed that the two passengers were removed in Nashville before the plane continued on to Houston. It remains unclear whether they will face criminal charges.
Passengers Describe the Scene
Passenger John Smith, who was on board, described the tense scene:
“I turned around and police officers are trying to escort these people off the plane and at first it didn’t seem like they really wanted to move… so they got off the plane.”
Another passenger, Juan Marroquin, said flight attendants warned passengers:
“It’s not a good idea to threaten anybody on a flight.”
Federal Aviation Administration Investigations Ongoing
The FAA confirmed the incident in a statement:
United Airlines Flight 6378 landed safely at Nashville International Airport around 1:50 p.m. local time Friday, Sept. 5, after the crew reported a passenger disturbance… The FAA will investigate.”
Both cases remain under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, which has pledged to work with airlines and local authorities to determine the causes and prevent similar incidents in the future.
