Passenger assaults crew on San Francisco flight, claims plane is going down
- Charles Angel Salva, 30, tampered with oxygen masks and threatened crew and passengers on a Frontier Airlines flight.
- The flight crew, along with other passengers, worked to restrain Salva after he became aggressive and violent.
- Salva faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of charges related to the incident.
On September 9, a Frontier Airlines flight from Orange County to San Francisco experienced a chaotic incident involving a passenger named Charles Angel Salva. Shortly after takeoff, flight attendants noticed that the overhead oxygen masks had been tampered with, prompting an investigation. Witnesses reported that Salva appeared to be in distress, expressing feelings of claustrophobia and a desire to exit the aircraft. During this time, he pulled down the oxygen masks and became entangled, requiring assistance from another passenger. As the situation escalated, Salva began shouting alarming statements, including threats that the plane was going down. His aggressive behavior intensified as he attempted to choke a flight attendant and physically assaulted crew members, leaving visible marks on one attendant's neck. He also threatened to kill everyone on board, which heightened the fear among passengers and crew alike. In response to the escalating threat, the flight crew, with the help of other passengers, attempted to restrain Salva. Despite their efforts, he managed to break free from the restraints and had to be secured with a seatbelt. The crew ultimately decided to divert the flight to Ontario, California, prioritizing the safety of all on board. Salva now faces serious legal consequences, including charges of interference with flight crew members, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years if convicted. This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining safety and order on commercial flights.