An unhinged plane passenger has been charged with violent and disruptive behavior during a Frontier Airlines flight, culminating in a terrifying rampage that left passengers and crew members shaken.
Plane passenger causes chaos in the skies
Charles Angel Salva, 33, of Fremont, California, faces federal charges of interference with flight crew members and attendants, following an incident in which he allegedly assaulted flight staff and declared, “This airplane is going down!” according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The incident took place aboard Frontier Airlines flight 3581, which departed from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana on Monday and was en route to San Francisco International Airport.
Just minutes after takeoff, as the aircraft was still ascending and had not yet reached 10,000 feet, the flight crew became aware of an unusual disturbance involving Salva.
According to the DOJ’s report, flight attendants noticed that oxygen masks had dropped from the overhead compartment in the row where Salva was seated.
When they investigated, they found that Salva had shoved his hand inside the compartment and was stuck.
Passengers seated nearby later told investigators that Salva appeared agitated, claustrophobic, and desperate to leave the airplane, raising alarms among those on board.
As tensions escalated, Salva began shouting obscenities at the flight crew and passengers, creating chaos in the cabin.
“We are all going to hell!” he screamed, before running toward the back of the plane as flight attendants attempted to calm him down and restrain him.
Unhinged traveler assaults Frontier flight attendant
The situation quickly deteriorated when Salva allegedly tried to choke a female flight attendant, leaving visible marks on her neck.
As other crew members rushed to help their colleague, Salva’s violent outburst escalated.
He pushed another flight attendant shockingly hard and issued chilling threats, that he was going to kill every person onboard the plane.
During the chaos, passengers stepped in to assist the flight crew in subduing Salva.
Despite being placed in flex cuffs, he managed to break free, forcing passengers and crew to restrain him using a seatbelt.
In addition to the physical altercation, Salva reportedly kicked one flight attendant six times in the leg, causing bruising and swelling that later required medical treatment.
Given the severity of the situation, the flight was diverted to Ontario International Airport, located east of Los Angeles, where law enforcement and emergency medical personnel were waiting.
When the plane landed, Salva was immediately taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
Further details emerged following Salva’s arrest, including troubling information regarding his mental state leading up to the incident.
A fellow passenger, who the suspect likely was traveling with, informed investigators that Salva and his 3-year-old daughter had been returning to San Francisco after a weekend trip to Disneyland.
According to Fox News, court documents revealed that Salva had left his daughter with the passenger’s family on Sunday, only to disappear.
Anaheim police later found him covered in sewage at a local liquor store.
In a shocking twist, Salva allegedly made disturbing admissions to officers.
He reportedly told police, “I’m a child molester,” claiming that he had molested his daughter on several occasions before losing custody.
Plane passenger who attacked Frontier flight attendant was hearing voices
Salva told officers that he believed the voices in his head and people around him were trying to force him to confess his crimes, which sparked his erratic behavior on the plane.
According to court documents, he attempted to pull the emergency flight button in a misguided effort to crash the aircraft.
He also admitted to consuming ecstasy before boarding the flight, further clouding his judgment and contributing to his dangerous actions.
Frontier Airlines commended the professionalism of its flight crew and the bravery of the passengers who helped restrain Salva during the mid-flight chaos.
“We extend our utmost appreciation to the flight crew for their professionalism and to the other passengers who assisted during the incident, as well as local and federal law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, for their efforts to ensure justice,” the airline said in a statement.
The FBI and the Ontario Police Department are now investigating the case, and Salva appeared in federal court on Thursday.
If convicted on charges of interference with flight crew members and attendants, Salva could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Salva is due for another court appearance later this month as the case progresses through the federal system.
