Becomes Disruptive, Hits Pilot

A Honolulu-bound aircraft diverted to San Francisco on Tuesday when a female passenger crews caught smoking in the lavatory became disruptive, federal officials said.

According to Associated Press, Delta Air Lines Flight 511, a nonstop flight from Cincinnati, was over the Pacific Ocean when the passenger hit a pilot who had left the cockpit to subdue the commotion, said a fellow passenger.

"She appeared to be out of her mind. Upset. Belligerent," said passenger Elizabeth Oglesby. "He threatened to handcuff her if she didn't calm down. At that point she hit him in the chest."

After the plane landed, the woman received oxygen and taken to the hospital.

Officials with the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately release the name of the passenger, and they did not make it clear if she will be charged. However, it is a federal crime to smoke on a commercial flight.

The Boeing 767 landed safely at about 1:00 pm, and resumed its flight about an hour later, said Delta spokeswoman Chris Kelly.

FMI: www.delta.com