An American Airlines passenger is restrained by passengers during a breakdown before a US flight

News

by Nicholas McIntyre

American Airlines crew and passengers were forced to take down a screaming man and bind him with duct tape before a flight to Miami International Airport on Friday evening.

The unidentified man was preparing to board American Airlines Flight 948 at Rio de Janeiro/Galeao International Airport in Brazil when he unleashed a meltdown, saying “help” and “they're killing me” in Spanish. According to ABC Local 10.

The screaming passenger was restrained as the violent scene unfolded on the plane before airport security took him away.

The five brave men – four passengers and an airline employee – worked together to subdue the man, using duct tape on his arms and head, while also fighting off the unruly passenger's punches inside one of the plane's panels. A WPLG exclusive video was shown.

While one passenger worked to bind the man's ankles, another tried to tape his mouth shut, but was thwarted as the man's head continued to move.

He could be heard repeatedly shouting “no” as the men tried different methods to calm him down.

“Hold my hand” and “breathe” were just some of the techniques used.

The cause of the collapse was not revealed.

Despite the terrifying ordeal, the flight landed in Miami 13 minutes ahead of schedule, according to FlightAware.

The outlet added that no arrests have been made.

A 28-year-old man had to be restrained on board Qantas flight QF46 between Bali and Melbourne after he assaulted a crew member during the flight on December 30. According to what was reported by 9 News.

He told those on board: “If you don't stay away from me, I will kill you.”

Five passengers were asked to drop off the belligerent passenger, who was handed over to police for questioning but did not face any charges.