pixlr
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, all the major countries of the world witnessed a remarkable surge in air travel, bringing with it not just a focus on destinations but also a concerning uptick in airline mishaps. As the year concludes, let's revisit the most significant aviation incidents of 2023 that captured the attention of the online world.
One of the most sensational episodes involved Tiffany Gomas, colloquially known as the "crazy plane lady." Gomas gained notoriety for her emotional outburst aboard an American Airlines flight, where she claimed a fellow passenger was "not real" and vehemently declared her intention to disembark. This shocking incident resulted in her expulsion from the plane, causing considerable delays for other travellers. The incident was recorded by a fellow passenger, and the video went viral, amassing millions of views. In a subsequent podcast, Gomas attributed her meltdown to an "altercation."
In November, a gospel singer, Bobbi Storm, found herself on the brink of being removed from a Delta flight due to her unwavering commitment to singing. Despite requests from a flight attendant to cease her performance, Storm persisted, proclaiming that she was singing "for the lord." In a video capturing the incident, she shared her excitement about being nominated for two Grammys, oblivious to the flight attendant's persistent pleas. The disruption caused a unique mid-air spectacle, showcasing the clash between artistic expression and the expectations of airline decorum.
In a bizarre turn of events on October 22, off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson attempted to shut off the engines of Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 mid-air. This alarming act forced the flight, en route to San Francisco, to make an emergency diversion to Portland, Oregon. Emerson's reckless attempt resulted in 167 charges, including a staggering 83 counts of attempted murder. The incident sheds light on the challenges airlines face in ensuring the mental well-being of their staff, even when off-duty.
A disturbing incident earlier in the year involved an inebriated passenger on an American Airlines flight bound for New Delhi from New York. The intoxicated individual shamefully urinated on a fellow passenger, creating chaos on board. The deputy commissioner of police (IGI Airport), Devesh Kumar Mahela, confirmed legal action, citing a non-cognizable offense under the Civil Aircraft Rules.
On September 2, American Airlines found itself entangled in a federal lawsuit when a male flight attendant taped a cellphone to a first-class bathroom seat to record a minor. The 14-year-old girl, directed to use the first-class bathroom for expediency, was asked to wait while the attendant attended to his personal matters. The incident raises serious concerns about passenger safety and privacy, prompting legal action against the airline.
As we bid adieu to 2023, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the aviation industry, both in maintaining passenger safety and dealing with the unpredictable human factor.
Copyright © 2025 Top Indian News
