FAA Sues American Airlines Passenger for Chaotic Mid-Flight Incident Resulting in Record Fine

In a dramatic incident on a July 6, 2021 flight from Dallas to Charlotte, North Carolina, a passenger onboard an American Airlines flight caused chaos by attempting to open the front cabin door mid-flight. The passenger, identified as Heather Wells of San Antonio, 34, had been reportedly agitated after the flight was delayed for about three hours before finally departing at midnight.

Unruly Behavior

Heather Wells, who had reportedly consumed a neat Jack Daniel's on the flight, made a dash for the front of the plane, grabbed the handle of the front cabin door, and began behaving incoherently with fellow passengers. She also threatened a flight attendant, swore, and even struck one attendant in the head multiple times.

Restraint and Sedation

Despite the efforts of the flight attendants and passengers, Heather Wells had to be restrained using duct tape and flex cuffs. Even after being bound and gagged, she continued to lash out, kicking, spitting, and attempting to bite and head-butt the flight attendant and other passengers. Upon landing in Charlotte, law enforcement and medical responders had to sedate her to remove her from the aircraft.

FAA Lawsuit and Fine

Following the disruptive incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) fined Heather Wells a record $81,950 in civil penalties in 2022. Subsequently, the FAA has filed a lawsuit on its behalf in San Antonio seeking to collect the imposed fine.

Violation of Aviation Rules

The lawsuit alleges that Heather Wells violated federal aviation rules by attempting to access the flight cabin, interfering with and threatening the flight crew, and posing an imminent threat to passengers and staff.

Legal Proceedings

The lawsuit, filed by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza, indicates the legal efforts to hold Heather Wells accountable for her disruptive and potentially dangerous behavior onboard American Airlines Flight 1774.