http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/100801_ns_americana irlines.html
October 8, 2001 — A passenger rushed the cockpit of American Airlines flight 1238 from Los Angeles to Chicago. Military jets raced to its side. The plane landed safely at O'Hare Airport around 3 p.m. Officials say the incident was not an act of terrorism, just a random act by a suspect.
Passengers on board Flight 1238 say the young man was sitting in a coach seat when he suddenly jumped up and ran full speed to the cockpit door. The man, believed to be in his 20's, got through the cockpit door, but the pilot managed to force him back outside.
Witnesses say the man was shouting, "save the tower, save the tower."
Witnesses say several passengers stormed after the suspect, rolled him in a blanket and subdued him. A doctor on board the plane also gave the suspect some medication, according to the witnesses.
A man believed to be the suspect's father was traveling with him. According to airline officials, the suspect has a history of mental instability, and may have believed the plane was headed toward the SearsTower.
When the intruder entered the cockpit, the pilot declared an emergency by entering a special code. Passengers say the plane jolted. One man even said he feared for his life, thinking the plane was going down.
Two F-16s scrambled to intercept the plane, creating a sonic boom as they broke the sound barrier at around 767 mph. Some of the northwest suburbs heard that noise, which sounded like two large explosions.
"I heard a huge, gigantic boom," said Sherry, who lives in Barrington and was obviously shaken by the noise.
"I had no idea what I was supposed to do with six kids," she said, her voice shaking. Law enforcement agencies received several calls from residents who heard the boom.
The F-16s escorted the Boeing 767, which was carrying a crew of nine and 153 passengers, to the airport. It landed safely at the airport. Officials took the suspect into custody, and interviewed the other passengers.
No one was injured in the incident, although there are reports a 50-year-old man was taken to the hospital suffering from chest pains.
The FBI says it is possible that no charges will be filed in the case.
[ 09 October 2001: Message edited by: BayAreaLondoner ]