Several weeks ago we saw an incident whereby a man opened the emergency exit door of an Asiana Airbus A321 shortly before landing, and tried to jump out. Fortunately he ended up being stopped, no one was hurt, and the plane landed safely.
Well, another person has now tried to open the emergency exit door of an aircraft, though I really can’t with the level of stupidity displayed here (thanks to reader Ray for flagging this)…
In this post:
Bangalore-bound Air France Airbus A330 has emergency exit scare
The Times of India has the story of how a 29-year-old was arrested by police over his behavior on an Air France flight from Paris (CDG) to Bangalore (BLR). This incident happened on July 15, 2023, and involves flight AF194, operated by an Airbus A330.
The man — who is a native of India but lives in the United States — was traveling to visit his aunt, connecting in Paris. According to the crew, the man attempted to open the emergency exit door mid-flight. This reportedly caused panic in the cabin.
Fortunately there was no safety risk, since an emergency exit door can’t be opened in the middle of the flight, due to the pressure difference between inside the cabin and outside. However, it’s of course still terrifying to see someone trying to act in this way.
The flight continued to Bangalore, where it landed safely. It’s worth noting that the flight didn’t divert — if this flight were on a US airline, I’d be willing to bet just about anything that there would have been a diversion.
The excuse the traveler provided to police
So, why would someone try to open the emergency exit of an aircraft? Here’s the explanation he reportedly provided to police:
“I was just checking the arming and disarming functions of the door”
Is this traveler an 11-month-old or a 29-year-old? Because our infant spends his days trying to inspect every electrical outlet and other danger in our home, and he’s also “just checking.” But I sure hope he grows out of this, because when you get older you’re supposed to learn that just because you’re curious about something doesn’t mean you should actually do it.
What’s next, trying to storm the cockpit door because you’re “just checking” how reinforced it really is? One has to wonder if this man was just very drunk, or if that made sense to him in a sober state?
Police met the flight when it landed in Bangalore. The man was detained, and after the crew filed a full report, the man was arrested for attempting to commit an act to endanger the life and safety of others. The man ended up being released on bail, and is now awaiting trial.
Bottom line
Please don’t try to open emergency exit inflight. And especially please don’t do it because you’re “just checking” the arming and disarming functions of a plane. Is that too much to ask?
They should definitely do an alcohol and drug test of this guy.
I’m surprised that not more try to do the same to escape the dreadful service on AF.
Lucky, what would be a better excuse? Snakes on the plane?
Glad to see AF not divert and use common sense. The perpetrator being punished without causing inconvenience to everyone.
But then the crews don't get to feel so important, which is a shame, since making them able to go on power trips is the reason why that job even exists. Or so they teach them at United.
For the safety of all passengers please initiate a black list of these types of unruly passengers who endanger the lives of others. They should never be allowed to fly again and screw what the justice system says.
Very strange things are going on with Hindus on the planes. They either piss on each other, or try to open those doors. Good thing French crew handled it. France is a gorgeous country with a truly sublime culture.
Well said.
How’s that KKK thing going?
Very strange things going on with America - what with idiocy on the rise. Way to represent Rob!
some people are just plain full of stupidity. You tend to wonder how these folks go about their daily lives.
"since an emergency exit door can’t be opened in the middle of the flight, due to the pressure difference between inside the cabin and outside."
My physics must be rusty. That story works on a submarine with a door that opens outwards. But aircraft doors also open outwards. Isn't the pressure inside greater than the pressure outside at high altitude?
Maybe I'm missing something.
Pressure inside is higher. Airplane doors are like plugs. To open they first come in before rotating slightly and then being able to go out. As pressure inside stops you pulling door inwards initially you cannot “unplug” the door to push it out until pressure is near equalised.
The door first moves inward, then out.
Ah, was news to me. I've clearly not opened one before. I'll keep it that way. ;)
I thought the overwing doors on planes open inwards.
Assuming that's the door the passenger was trying to open. I believe the third door on the A330 is the smaller window seat emergency door.
What! You mean the FAs weren't so terrified they didn't demand the plane turn around?
AF must have stronger FAs than the US airlines.
@ Patti;
Have you ever flown AF?
Why should they turn around or divert? As Ben explained, you just can't open a door inflight, so where is your issue?
/s
@Nelson - Patti is trying to win Troll of the Day award. Go see her comments on VFTW.
OCTinPHL
Glad to know I have a fan club.
Yes, I've flown AF.
You missed the point that US airlines turn around at the drop of their FAs hat, more sophisticated airlines manage to handle situations without turning around.
No Patti, you don’t. Your comments aren’t worthy of respect. You are a troll.
Seen your comments over there. Don't think you are going to be able to hold the high moral ground.
But keep up your white knighting.
Patti - I don’t resort to writing comments that Ben “sucks up to AA” like you do. Go home troll.
She made a valid comment. Don’t throw your toys out of your pram.
I agree with you. The crew have to determine whether they can de-escalate. It seems he wasn’t violent. In which case he could still have been restrained and let the flight continue. Not pleasant for the passengers- and crew