by Hugh Morris, The Telegraph, July 18, 2017
Passengers on an American Airlines flight complained of headaches, became nauseous and had to be taken off the plane after someone “passed gas”, local media reported.
The plane landed at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina on Sunday when the incident took place, prompting the airport to begin an investigation into what happened.
Regional news outlet WNCN said that some passengers on board had become ill before they were all taken off the aircraft, citing airport officials who said that someone had “passed gas”. The airport later said the incident was a “medical call”, while American Airlines said there was a “mechanical issue”.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “We did have an aircraft from Charlotte to RDU this afternoon that landed at 2:19 p.m. ET, and arrived the gate at 2:21 p.m. ET, that is currently out of service for an actual mechanical issue – and odour in the cabin. But it is not due to passed gas, as mentioned.”
A second spokesperson told Telegraph Travel: “The story is not true.”
Odours in the cabin are sometimes caused by issues with the way air is supplied from the engines. When there is contamination from hazardous chemicals as the air is bled through the engines to pressurise the cabin, a “fume event” can be declared, which sometimes leads to passengers and crew becoming unwell.
Had the commotion been caused a passenger breaking wind, however, it would not have been the first time.
Ridiculous reasons for flight delays and plane turnarounds
In January last year, one flier felt compelled to pass the flight attendant a note suggesting they make a tannoy announcement enquiring into the health of a fellow traveller because of the noxious fumes being emitted from their person.
Apparently, farting on a plane is scientific issue, with academics discussing the effects the change in air pressure has on the human stomach.
Indeed, a report into pilot flatulence once found that more than 60 per cent have reported feeling regular abdominal bloating.
This article was written by Hugh Morris from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].