A passenger was "in a fight with our flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit," the pilot radioed the tower at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.
ABC reporter Mark Willacy was onboard the flight, noting a large bang and sharp shudder during takeoff. The plane struggled to gain altitude, indicating something was amiss. Following this alarming incident, the aircraft established a loop and returned to Sydney, guided by the calm commands of the flight crew who explained the engine situation to passengers. Their reassurance and adherence to emergency protocols were pivotal during this distressing event.
Federal authorities are investigating the emergency landing of Frontier Airlines Flight 1326, which experienced smoke in the cockpit while landing at Harry Reid International Airport, prompting an emergency declaration.