Man jumps from moving plane at Toronto airport, escapes injury
BY THE CANADIAN PRESSMAY 27, 2013 12:06 PM
TORONTO - A man flying into Toronto shocked his fellow passengers when he jumped from a moving plane at Pearson International airport early Monday.
The 32-year-old Toronto man was on a Sunwing flight returning from Cuba when the incident took place just after midnight.
The plane landed safely and was taxiing towards its gate when the man opened an emergency exit and jumped, said Peel Regional Police, who were called to the scene.
"The door opened and somebody on the plane had to yell out that this gentleman had opened the door," said Const. Fiona Thivierge.
"Luckily, he was not injured."
Ground crews who were around the plane at the time held the man until police arrived, said Thivierge.
It was discovered the man had mental health issues and he was taken to a local hospital.
No charges have been laid.
"There's no criminality involved, it all comes under the Mental Health Act," said Thivierge, adding that this was the first such incident of its kind to her knowledge.
Wow, he REALLY had to get off. Is it really that easy to open a 737 door during taxi?
Jeebus! Good thing he didn't do it 15/30/45 minutes earlier! ETA: Is there some sort of pressure switch to inhibit in-flight opening?
to sit next to the emergency exit, so I can be sure of the door either opening or not at the correct time...I wonder if there will soon be a cog. test to sit there?
). The door still needs to move inboard to disengage the latches from the lugs because they overcentre.
