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Last week, I wrote about an Air Canada passenger who boarded a Boeing 777-300ER at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) that was headed for Dubai International Airport (DXB), but decided instead of taking his assigned seat that he would open an emergency exit door. He succeeded and proceeded to tumble 20 feet onto the tarmac below. Yesterday, an elderly passenger traveling from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) attempted to open an emergency exit door while in flight. He was unsuccessful and deemed confused upon arrival in Toronto.
Air Canada flight AC855 was en route from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) when an elderly passenger began acting strangely. He attempted to open an emergency exit door in flight (which is virtually impossible to do at cruising altitude) and was confused. Cabin crew managed the situation and the flight did not need to be diverted. Authorities met the flight and deemed the man in a “state of crisis.” No charges were pressed against him according to an article in the Toronto Sun. Const. Tyler Bell-Morena commented in an email to the publication:
Information provided to us was that a passenger had attempted to open a door midflight; this of course cannot be done at cruising altitude. The aircraft landed safely at Pearson International Airport shortly after 3:00 PM. Once the flight was deboarded, officers entered the aircraft to deal with the passenger in question. [An elderly male, was in a] state of crisis and confusion and it does not appear that his actions were intentional. [No charges were laid and the passenger’s family has been offered] additional resources.”
I can’t help but think about the song “Blame Canada” from the South Park movie with the two incidents involving passengers on Canadian flights happening a week apart. Warning: once you watch this clip the song will be stuck in your head.
Anthony’s Take: Thankfully, the aircraft was at cruising altitude and the aircraft arrived without further incident. It sounds like the passenger is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Hopefully, his family is able to get him the care he needs.
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