Man Tries to Open Plane Door Midair on Flight to Detroit

One of my biggest fears just became a terrifying reality for passengers on a Delta flight from Omaha to Detroit. While midair, a man suddenly got up and tried to open the exit door.

Every time I get on a plane, I glance over at those exit doors and think to myself, “Man, I really hope no one tries to open one of those during this flight.” I know it’s extremely unlikely, but it’s still one of those small fears that eats away at me while I travel. That’s actually why I prefer sitting in the exit row, no way am I letting someone get to those doors if I can help it.

See Also: Passengers to Detroit Stranded for 8 Hours Before Flight Cancellation

According to WDIV, this exact nightmare happened on July 17, when Delta Connection Flight 3612 had to make an emergency landing in Iowa after a 23-year-old man in the exit row attempted to open the door mid-flight.

Thankfully, the crew and some quick-reacting passengers managed to get the guy under control. The pilot ended up diverting the flight to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they landed safely. The man, later identified as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj, was arrested and taken off the plane in handcuffs, as you can see in the video below.

It’s still unclear what made this guy flip out and try to open the door mid-flight.

Can a Passenger Really Open a Plane Door Mid-Flight?

Nope, it’s basically impossible. The doors are sealed tightly because of huge pressure differences between inside and outside the plane. According to CNTraveler, at cruising altitude, the pressure pushes the door closed with tons of force; there’s no way a person can open it while flying.

Well, that makes me feel a little better.