Passengers in "Barfight" to Save Plane

One passenger described it as like a barfight as passengers and three Secret Service agents restrained a passenger trying to crash a United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago to Sacramento.

The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver after a passenger attempted to bring the plane down by opening one of the plane's doors. The passenger, identified as Jose Manuel Pelayo-Ortega, was restrained before he could open the door.

According to the L.A. Times article, it sounds like the subject was held from behind in a rear naked choke and taken to the ground, saving the flight.

This incident serves as a dramatic reminder about how you might be forced to subdue a crazed passenger to save yourself. (Ironically, the three Secret Service agents were simply traveling on the flight between assignments). Check out our earlier article on how to save yourself on airline flight when someone tries to crash the plane.

Rise of private security in future

“However, I predict that after the first detonation [of a terrorist bomb] at a crowded shopping center, private security in the future will play a major role in reactive defense of commercial establishments. As a result, private sector security will require a much higher level of professionalism and the ranks of security forces will no longer be populated by out-of-shape retirees and minimally trained personnel working at minimum wage. Like Israel, private security specialists will be held in high regard and receive very competitive wages for their vigilance. Many will come from the ranks of independent contractors with police and military experience. In addition to being lean, mean and aggressive machines, these first responders will possess the temperament and diplomacy to deal with the public under peaceful and panic circumstances.”

Bob Pilgrim