March 14, 2025 — Savannah, Georgia — An American Eagle flight operated by Envoy Air was forced to return to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport after a passenger allegedly attacked a crew member and exhibited erratic behavior, including swallowing a set of rosary beads mid-flight.
Incident Details
Flight 3444 was en route from Savannah, Georgia, to Miami, Florida, when the altercation occurred. Less than a minute after takeoff, a passenger identified as Delange Augustin, 31, began behaving in a highly disruptive manner, according to court records. Witnesses reported that he started stomping, yelling incoherently, and shaking in his seat, prompting flight attendants to check on him.
However, when approached by a crew member, Augustin suddenly kicked the attendant in the chest, sending them flying into a window across the aisle. He then proceeded to punch and kick the seat in front of him, causing it to collapse.
As the situation escalated, the pilots made the decision to turn the aircraft around and head back to Savannah. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations allow pilots to reroute a flight in the event of passenger disturbances that pose safety risks.
Upon landing, Augustin attempted to rush toward the front of the aircraft and threw additional punches at another flight attendant before being subdued by passengers and restrained.
Arrest and Charges
Local law enforcement officers were waiting at the gate when the plane landed. Augustin was taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation after authorities learned that he had swallowed a set of rosary beads during the ordeal.
He was later booked into Chatham County Jail on multiple charges, including:
- Misdemeanor battery (for assaulting a crew member)
- Obstruction of police
- Felony criminal property damage
According to Savannah authorities, the case may also be reviewed by federal prosecutors since interfering with a flight crew is a serious federal offense under Title 49, U.S. Code § 46504 (U.S. Department of Justice). If convicted, Augustin could face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison.
Motive and Mental State
Augustin’s sister, who was also on board the flight, told investigators that the pair was traveling to Haiti. She claimed they were fleeing spiritual attacks and that her brother had believed “Satan’s disciples” had followed them onto the plane.
She further explained that Augustin swallowed the rosary beads as a “weapon of strength” in a perceived spiritual battle. Despite his erratic behavior, she insisted he had no known medical or mental health conditions.
Airline and FAA Response
American Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, thanking the flight crew for their professionalism and swift response in handling the emergency. The airline also acknowledged the cooperation of passengers who helped subdue the individual.
“We take the safety of our passengers and crew very seriously. Our team worked quickly to ensure the security of everyone on board,” American Airlines said in a statement.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (www.faa.gov) has been notified of the incident and is reviewing the case. The agency has increased penalties for unruly passenger behavior in recent years, imposing hefty fines and lifetime bans on some offenders.
Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Disruptions
This incident is part of a growing trend of in-flight disturbances in recent years. According to the FAA’s Unruly Passenger Dashboard, there were over 2,000 reports of disruptive behavior on U.S. flights in 2024 alone. The agency has taken a zero-tolerance approach, implementing stricter regulations and increasing penalties for offenders.
Under current TSA guidelines (www.tsa.gov), any passenger engaging in violent or threatening behavior can be subjected to fines ranging from $10,000 to $37,000 per violation. Additionally, airlines have the authority to place disruptive individuals on their no-fly lists, effectively banning them from future travel.
What’s Next?
Augustin remains in Chatham County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings. Federal authorities have not yet confirmed whether additional charges will be filed, but given the severity of the offense, the case is expected to be closely examined.
Passengers affected by the incident were rebooked on alternative flights to Miami, and American Airlines has offered assistance to those who were inconvenienced.
Authorities continue to urge travelers to remain calm and cooperative when flying and to report any concerning behavior to flight attendants immediately. If convicted, Augustin could serve significant jail time under federal aviation laws designed to protect passengers and crew members from in-flight disturbances.
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