On-air madness aborts flight

Kingfisher allows 'mentally unstable' passenger onboard. Flight is aborted when flier creates ruckus, hits crew and cops

On-air madness aborts flight

Kingfisher allows 'mentally unstable' passenger onboard. Flight is aborted when flier creates ruckus, hits crew and cops

On 9.30 am, Wednesday, the New Delhi-Imphal Kingfisher flight (IT 3357) was on schedule and was being taxied on the runway at IGI Airport. Passengers and crew members were settling down for the flight when suddenly, one flier started screaming.

Even as Yumnam kept screaming and pushing the crew members around, the flight was aborted and cops called in to take him away.

Yumnam was traveling with his cousin Bhagat Yumnam, 27.

"The passenger was mentally unstable and started shouting. While he was being calmed he pushed crew members away and even started hitting them. Later, the flight was aborted and he was escorted to the police station by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and airline staff," said a police official, wishing anonymity.u00a0u00a0
u00a0
However, Yumnam didn't stop at pushing the airline crew only. He even attacked the cops. "While he was being taken to the police station he started pushing the security personnel and in this commotion, he hit one CISF personnel on his genitals," said the police official.

The police took Yumnam for a medical examination at Safdarjung Hospital where he was declared 'mentally unsound'. He has been sent to a mental asylum at Dilshad Garden.

Meanwhile, police officials said it was very surprising that Kingfisher Airlines flouted rules and allowed the passenger on board. "He was behaving strangely yet he was not noticed by any airline official or CISF personnel during the process of boarding and security check," said the cop.

However, sources said Kingfisher has blamed Yumnam and his brother for not revealing his mental condition before boarding the flight.

The police said they have received a complaint from Kingfisher Airlines against the passenger. However, no FIR has been registered.

The police said Bhagat Yumnam revealed his brother was in control before boarding the flight. "However, he also said that about two years back he had suffered from a psychological problem and was under medication," said the police official.

"The passenger was mentally unsound. We have also received a complaint from the Kingfisher Airlines. The matter is being probed," said DCP Airport, KC Dwivedi.

The DCP acknowledged Yumnam's brother didn't inform Kingfisher officials about his illness.

His brother told MiD DAY, "He was doing fine till the morning. He started behaving strangely once he boarded the aircraft. That is why we did not inform the airline officials about his illness."u00a0

Commenting on the incident Prakash Mirpuri, Vice President, Corporate Communications The UB Group said, "Kingfisher Airlines flight IT 3357 operating from New Delhi to Guwahati on November 4, 2009 had to return back to the bay due to an unruly guest on board. The guest in question was accompanied by his cousin brother and no prior information about the medical condition and/or status of this guest was given by the accompanying guest to our staff at the airport, nor did the guest exhibit any unusual behaviour till the boarding point, which would warrant any cause for concern on the part of our staff at the check-in counters or the gate staff. The guest showed anxiety and created an unpleasant situation only after the aircraft doors were closed. The flight departed later after the guest was off-loaded."

Rule book
Under Indian aviation rules, special conditions have to be created to allow people with mental handicaps to fly

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels