US News

Plane diverted after nut tries to open door in midair

CHICAGO — A Continental Airlines flight from Houston to Chicago diverted in St. Louis after officials say a passenger tried to open a plane door during the flight.

Continental spokeswoman Julie King says Flight No. 546 landed Sunday around 1:30 p.m. at Lambert International Airport and was grounded about an hour before leaving for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford confirms an “unruly” passenger tried to open the door.

FBI officials and airport police in St. Louis are questioning the passenger. Lambert spokesman Jeff Lea says the 34-year-old Illinois man got up 20 minutes after takeoff and said he had to get off the plane. No charges have been filed.

Aviation experts say it’s impossible to open a door during flight because of pressurized air in the cabin.

Earlier Sunday, a Delta Air Lines plane was diverted to Albuquerque, N.M., after a flight attendant reportedly found a suspicious note in the lavatory. Federal agents searched the aircraft — which had been en route from Detroit to San Diego — and cleared it to continue its trip.