AAP
Plane passenger 'attacks captain'
March 29, 2005
From: AAP
A MAN punched an airline captain and a fellow passenger as a plane sat on the tarmac at Cairns airport in far north Queensland, police said today.
Police said an intoxicated man began threatening passengers sitting near him just before the aircraft was due to take off about 4pm (AEST) yesterday.
Despite being warned by the captain several times, the man allegedly began punching a passenger seated next to him.
Police said he then punched the captain several times in the ribs before ground staff wrestled him off the plane.
A 25-year-old man from Townsville is to appear at Cairns Magistrates Court today charged with assault.
A Qantas spokeswoman said the flight, which was carrying 38 passengers, was delayed about half an hour by the incident and took off at 4.20pm.
She said the captain remained on board and operated the flight despite the altercation.
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