MADISON, Wis — A Minneapolis -bound United Airlines pilot made an emergency in Madison when a passenger got out of hand and who at first appeared bent on hijacking. Flight 2005 from Chicago landed safely. Police entered the cabin and arrested the unruly passenger. The Airbuss 320-900ER was carrying 147 passengers and a crew of six. The incident occurred shortly after take-off. The pilot radioed 130 miles ahead to Madison: “We might have to close the airfield due to a potential hijack.” The man had made multiple attempts to breach the cockpit. Off-duty law officers, who happened to be on board, restrained the man as the crew prepared for the emergency landing. As this was going on, a cabin attendant asked on the intercom if anyone on board knew Russian. It was concluded later that the man, age 75, was in a mental crisis. As soon the man was removed, the other passengers were herded to a terminal waiting g area while the plane was scoured for weapons or explosive devices and for evidence to understand what happened. Once cleared, Flight 2005 departed for MSP and landed four late about 2 a.m.
