UTAH- Eric Nicholas Gapco, 26, from Delanco, New Jersey, caused chaos and tried to open the A321 door mid-air on American Airlines (AA) flight 2101 from Seattle (SEA) to Dallas (DFW) on July 18.
Gapco consumed 10 marijuana edibles before the flight, leading to erratic behavior that forced an emergency landing in Utah.
American Passenger Tries to Open Door
The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah reported that Gapco began acting “unruly” during the flight. He removed his shirt, used a vape pen, and made sexual advances towards a flight attendant. Gapco’s behavior escalated to physical assault on a crew member and multiple attempts to open the plane’s exterior doors mid-flight.
Video footage allegedly captured Gapco shirtless, shouting “I am sane!” as flight attendants attempted to control the situation near the aircraft’s bathroom. This incident highlights the serious safety risks posed by intoxicated passengers on commercial flights.
The emergency landing in Utah allowed authorities to arrest Gapco. His actions potentially endangered the lives of passengers and crew, demonstrating the severe consequences of substance abuse before air travel.
Emergency Landing at SLC
Eric Nicholas Gapco’s disruptive behavior on American Airlines flight 2101 escalated, forcing flight attendants to restrain him with shackles on his hands and feet. The captain made an emergency landing in Salt Lake City (SLC) to remove the unruly passenger.
During the flight, Gapco allegedly attempted to distribute unidentified pills to another passenger, raising further security concerns. When questioned, Gapco initially denied using illegal substances but later admitted to consuming “approximately 10 marijuana edibles” before the flight.
He claimed ignorance about the potency of the edibles, highlighting the risks of unknowing consumption of such products.
Upon landing at Salt Lake City International Airport, Gapco’s erratic behavior continued. He allegedly broke a glass door and spat on an officer during his arrest, demonstrating continued aggression and disregard for authority.
Prosecutors noted his ongoing belligerence and combative attitude towards medical staff and police in their motion for detention.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah announced the indictment. The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and Salt Lake City Police Department are jointly investigating the case, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuting. Their involvement underscores the seriousness of Gapco’s actions and the potential federal charges he may face.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) intensifies efforts to combat unruly passenger behavior on airlines. Since late 2021, the FAA has partnered with the FBI to refer over 270 severe cases for criminal prosecution, demonstrating a commitment to passenger safety and crew protection.
This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing disruptive incidents on flights. By involving the FBI, the FAA ensures that serious offenses receive appropriate legal attention, potentially leading to more severe consequences for offenders.
Despite a notable decrease of over 80 percent in unruly passenger incidents since early 2021, the aviation industry continues to face challenges with passenger behavior. This reduction suggests that increased awareness and stricter enforcement measures have had a positive impact, yet persistent issues indicate ongoing concerns.
The FAA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with airline crew members.
To reinforce this policy, the FAA wields significant punitive power. The agency can impose civil penalties of up to $37,000 per violation, serving as a strong deterrent against disruptive behavior.
What are your thoughts on this unruly passenger behavior? Let us know in the comments below.
Unruly Passengers FAQs
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 2,075 incidents in 2023. Further there is 896 incidents as of July 2024. While in 2021, there were approx 6,000 reports of such incidents, highest in a year.
The agency can impose civil penalties of up to $37,000 per violation, serving as a strong deterrent against disruptive behavior. It can also earn you a felony conviction.
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