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September 7, 2008 5:32:59 AM CDT

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Co-Pilot Cuffed in Midair After Breakdown

Posted Jan 30, 08 2:14 PM CST in World 

(Newser) – An Air Canada flight from Toronto to London had to make an emergency landing Monday in Ireland after the co-pilot suffered a mental breakdown in midair, the Telegraph reports. The pilot started screaming God's name while at the controls of the Boeing 767; crew members removed him from the cockpit, bound his wrists and ankles, and handcuffed him to a seat in front of shocked passengers.

The pilot was admitted to an Irish psychiatric unit, while the 149 passengers were put on another flight to Heathrow. One passenger told reporters the man "just wanted to talk to God." Later on, while restrained, he lashed out at onlookers: "When they tried to put his shoes on later, he swore and threatened people. He was very, very distressed."

Sources Daily Telegraph (UK), Globe and Mail

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A man is seen in this hand out photo supplied by Air Canada dressed as a Canadian Mountie walking past a no stopping sign in front of an Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER.   (Associated Press)
An Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER is seen in this handout photo supplied by Air Canada.   (Associated Press)
Air Canada president and CEO Montie Brewer arrives for the airline's annual meeting, Tuesday, March 27, 2007 in Montreal. (AP Photo/CP, Paul Chiasson)   (Associated Press)
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airline industry  • air travel  • mental illness  • Air Canada


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