Flight Attendant Punched by Passenger on American Airlines Plane, Court Records Show. An American Airlines flight en route from Dallas to Bozeman, Montana, was forced to divert to Amarillo, Texas, after a disruptive incident involving a passenger. According to court documents filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the passenger, identified as Keith Edward Fagiana, 61, physically assaulted a flight attendant, prompting the flight crew to declare a Level 2 threat.

The Inci dent Unfolds

The disruption began when a fellow passenger reported Fagiana violently kicking their seat. Subsequently, Fagiana engaged in a verbal altercation with a flight attendant who requested him to cease the disruptive behavior. The situation escalated when Fagiana punched the flight attendant in the stomach, leading to a series of violent acts.

In-Flight Assault and Restraint

Fagiana continued to assault the flight attendant, landing three more punches before fellow passengers intervened. The flight attendant, employing flex cuffs, managed to physically restrain Fagiana and secure him in a seat, awaiting police intervention upon landing at Amarillo’s airport.

Law Enforcement Response

Upon landing, law enforcement entered the aircraft and escorted Fagiana off. However, the situation escalated further when Fagiana kicked a police officer in the groin and spat on escorting officers during the process. Law enforcement opted to replace the flex cuffs with steel handcuffs due to Fagiana’s complaints of discomfort.

Post-Incident Statements

During a subsequent police interview, Fagiana admitted to resisting arrest, expressing a lack of recollection regarding the in-flight events. He attributed his behavior to the consumption of alcohol, specifically mentioning having had “Captain Morgans” at various bars before the flight.

Flight Continuation and Airline Response

Despite the disruption, the flight eventually continued its journey, departing from Amarillo shortly after the incident. In response, American Airlines issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards acts of violence and their collaboration with law enforcement for a thorough investigation.

Legal Proceedings

Keith Edward Fagiana was charged with interference with a flight crew, according to the complaint filed in court. As of the latest information, it remains unclear whether Fagiana has obtained legal representation.

Conclusion

This disruptive incident highlights the challenges faced by airline crews in managing in-flight disruptions and underscores the airline industry’s commitment to prioritizing passenger safety. The legal proceedings will shed further light on the consequences for the individual involved in this regrettable incident.