The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has filed a lawsuit against Heather Wells of Texas, seeking $81,950 in civil penalties for a violent incident that occurred on an American Airlines flight three years ago.
Wells, who was seated in business class on flight AA 1774 in early July 2021, allegedly became disruptive after consuming alcohol.
The FAA claims Wells verbally assaulted a flight attendant, attempted to open the cabin door mid-flight, and interfered with crew members.
According to FAA documents, Wells’ behavior escalated after ordering a drink, leading her to verbally confront a flight attendant and physically assault them.
She reportedly attempted to open the front cabin door, prompting intervention from crew members and a fellow passenger who restrained her.
Despite efforts to calm her down, Wells continued to behave aggressively, kicking, spitting, and attempting to bite and head-butt crew members and other passengers.
The FAA’s charges against Wells include penalties of up to $45,000 for assaulting and threatening crew members, $27,950 for attempting to open the cabin door mid-flight, and $9,000 for interfering with the duties of a crew member.
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This legal action comes as the FAA intensifies its crackdown on unruly passengers amid a significant rise in such incidents this summer.
