A Disturbing Incident at 30,000 Feet: When a Flight Turned Back Due to a Violent Passenger
On Monday evening, what was supposed to be a routine flight from Savannah to Miami turned into a chaotic and disturbing incident. American Eagle flight 4162, operated by Envoy, was forced to turn around and head back to Savannah after a passenger became violent, attacking two flight attendants. The incident not only put the safety of everyone on board at risk but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of human behavior at high altitudes. The alleged perpetrator, Delange Augustin, 31, now faces federal charges for interfering with flight crew members. His travel companion and sister, Medjina Augustin, attempted to justify his actions with a cryptic explanation: "He hurts evil."
The Disturbance in the Air: A Passenger’s Violent Outburst
The flight, which had only about eight passengers and five crew members, took off smoothly from Savannah. However, less than a minute into the flight, the tranquility was shattered. Augustin began displaying erratic behavior, according to witnesses. He was "stomping, yelling incoherently, and shaking," which initially led a flight attendant to believe he was experiencing a medical emergency. But what followed was far more alarming. When the attendant approached Augustin, he allegedly turned in his seat, lifted his legs, and kicked the attendant in the chest. The situation quickly escalated, and the pilots, hearing the commotion from the cockpit, made the decision to turn the plane around and head back to Savannah.
The Escalation: A Descent into Chaos
Once the flight began its return to Savannah, Augustin’s behavior became even more erratic and violent. He allegedly punched and kicked the seat of the passenger in front of him, causing the chair to collapse. Despite efforts to calm him down, Augustin’s outburst continued. After the plane landed and began taxiing to the gate, Augustin and his sister, Medjina, were still on edge. In a bizarre and dangerous move, Augustin stormed to the front of the plane while holding onto his sister. In the galley, he allegedly threw several wild punches, striking one of the flight attendants in the upper arm. The situation finally came under control when three passengers intervened, pulling Augustin and his sister to the ground until airport police arrived to subdue him.
A Spiritual Justification: The Sister’s Bizarre Explanation
The inquiry into the incident took an even stranger turn when the FBI spoke with Medjina Augustin. She claimed that she and her brother were traveling to Haiti to "flee religious attacks of a spiritual nature." She told the FBI that "evil comes out in the darkness," and she had "never experienced as much darkness as was on the plane that evening." She was not surprised by her brother’s violent behavior, she said, because he "hurts evil." Furthermore, she recounted that her brother had instructed her to close her eyes on the plane "because Satan’s disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane and the legion did not want the Augustins to make it to Haiti."
The Aftermath: Consequences for Delange Augustin
The violent outburst on the flight had serious consequences for Delange Augustin. After being subdued by airport police, he was taken to a hospital for evaluation. According to the affidavit, Augustin even swallowed rosary beads, which he believed to be "a weapon of strength in spiritual warfare." His sister claimed that he was not suffering from any medical or mental health issues or impairments, a claim that may be subject to further investigation. Following his hospital evaluation, Augustin was taken to the Chatham County Detention Center. He has been charged with interference with flight crew members, a federal offense that carries serious penalties.
Safety and Security: A Statement from American Airlines
In the wake of this disturbing incident, American Airlines emphasized the importance of safety and security. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the airline said, "Safety and security are our top priorities. We appreciate the professionalism of the entire crew and thank our passengers for their understanding." The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by flight crews and the unpredictable nature of human behavior during air travel. For now, Delange Augustin faces legal consequences for his actions, while the airline and its crew continue to prioritize the safety of their passengers and crew.
