An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a disruptive passenger allegedly engaged in inappropriate behaviour, including exposing himself and urinating in the aisle. According to Fox Business, the incident happened aboard American Eagle flight 3921, which was flying from Chicago to Manchester, New Hampshire, but was forced to divert to Buffalo, New York, at around 1 p.m.
According to prosecutors, the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority Police responded to Gate 2 at the Buffalo airport in New York for a report that a man "exposed himself and urinated in the aisle of the aircraft while the plane was in flight."
After the emergency landing, authorities took swift action and arrested the passenger. The flight re-departed shortly after.
Meanwhile, the unruly passenger was charged with indecent exposure and was released after appearing in a Buffalo federal court, according to a press release from the
According to the complaint, Neil McCarthy admitted to police that he had consumed several "Jack and Cokes" before boarding the flight in Portland, Oregon, and additional drinks during his layover in Chicago. He said that he got up to use the restroom and when he came back, he suffered a 'medical urination problem.'
Prosecutors said the man faces a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted.
American Airlines said the plane, an Embraer 170/175 operated by Envoy Air, was diverted "due to a disruptive customer". The statement added: "The aircraft was met by law enforcement upon arrival at BUF and re-departed shortly after. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding."
This is not an isolated incident. In December, a passenger on an Air New Zealand flight was fined for urinating into a cup during a delay, and in 2023, a 21-year-old student was banned from flying with American Airlines after urinating on another passenger.
These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining proper behaviour and respecting fellow passengers during flights. Such actions are not only unacceptable but also pose health risks and cause distress to others.
