Overview
- United Airlines Flight 18, carrying 274 passengers and 13 crew, diverted to Bangor, Maine after a first‑class passenger became disruptive and was removed from the plane.
- According to court papers and crew accounts, the passenger, identified as Kristina Kedysheva, had been drinking aboard and was refused more alcohol before she refused orders to return to her seat.
- The complaint says Kedysheva reached toward the aircraft’s rear door handle and was held down by flight attendants and able‑bodied passengers during a struggle that lasted about three hours.
- While restrained she is accused of biting a flight attendant on the wrist and kicking the same attendant in the stomach, injuries that prompted law enforcement intervention after landing.
- After landing the passenger was arrested by local police, CBP and FBI agents and appeared in Penobscot County court on charges that include interference with a flight crew and assault, with the FAA investigating the incident and possible penalties.