Intoxicated Flyer Forces Urgent American Airlines Touchdown in Anchorage

Airplane landing on runway with cityscape background.

A retired New York City firefighter’s drunken behavior forces an American Airlines flight to make an emergency landing in Anchorage, Alaska.

At a Glance

Robert William Solesky, a retired NYC firefighter, caused a disturbance on a flight to Japan due to intoxication.
The incident forced the pilot to divert the flight to Alaska, 3,500 miles from its destination.
Solesky’s blood alcohol level was 0.219, indicating severe intoxication.
He was arrested upon landing and released on his own recognizance, due back in court on February 10.
The FAA reported 2,102 complaints of unruly passengers in 2024, with a peak in 2021.

Retired Firefighter’s Disruptive Behavior Causes Flight Diversion

American Airlines flight 167 from JFK to Tokyo faced an unexpected challenge when Robert William Solesky, a retired New York City firefighter, became severely intoxicated and disruptive. Solesky’s erratic behavior forced the pilot to make an emergency landing in Anchorage, Alaska, more than 3,500 miles away from the intended destination.

The incident began when Solesky struggled with the lavatory door, creating noise that was audible even in the cockpit. As his behavior escalated, he ignored flight attendants’ instructions and attempted to access the cockpit, causing significant concern among the crew and passengers.

Attempts to Control the Situation Fail

Flight attendants and Solesky’s relatives, including his wife and cousins, tried to manage his behavior, but their efforts proved futile. The situation worsened when Solesky grabbed a flight attendant, claiming it was a friendly gesture. His wife admitted to being incapable of controlling her husband’s actions, even with assistance from other family members.

The captain, recognizing the severity of the situation, made the decision to divert the flight to the nearest airport. An affidavit stated, “Once Solesky continued to disregard instructions given by the flight crew, the Captain made the decision to divert the plane to the closest airport, which was Anchorage.”

Consequences and Legal Proceedings

Upon landing in Anchorage, local airport authorities arrested Solesky. A blood alcohol test revealed his level to be 0.219, nearly three times the legal driving limit. Solesky admitted to consuming a Bloody Mary and two bottles of liquor before the incident, explaining his severe state of intoxication.

Following his arrest, Solesky was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on February 10. Neither his wife, who was on the flight, nor his attorney have commented on the incident. American Airlines has also refrained from making any public statements regarding the event.

A Growing Concern in Air Travel

This incident highlights an ongoing issue in air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 2,102 complaints of unruly passengers in 2024. Many of these incidents are alcohol-related, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to ensure passenger safety and maintain order during flights.