Lufthansa flight flew for 10 minutes without conscious pilot, investigation reveals
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A Lufthansa flight traveling from Chicago to Frankfurt had to make an unexpected landing on October 25 due to a man allegedly attacking two teenagers with a metal fork, leading to a chaotic scene, officials reported.

The individual involved, 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, an Indian national, is facing assault charges following the incident on Lufthansa Flight 431.

After the altercation, the aircraft was redirected to Boston Logan International Airport, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

Lufthansa planes

The U.S. Attorney’s Office released a statement indicating that Usiripalli is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, aiming to cause bodily harm while aboard an aircraft within the special jurisdiction of the United States.

A release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Usiripalli faces one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, prosecutors said.

The release also said charging documents allege that shortly after meal service, a 17-year-old passenger who had been lightly asleep awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him.

Usiripalli allegedly stabbed the teen who was sleeping in the left clavicle with a metal fork, then lunged at another 17-year-old seated nearby, striking him in the back of the head with the same utensil, per the release.

The second victim suffered a laceration to the rear of his head.

When crew members intervened, prosecutors said, Usiripalli raised his hand in the shape of a gun, placed his fingers in his mouth, and mimed pulling the trigger.

Lufthansa

Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli faces federal assault charges after allegedly stabbing two 17-year-old passengers with a fork on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago. (Reuters)

He then allegedly turned toward a female passenger and slapped her across the face before attempting to slap a flight attendant.

Officials said the disturbance prompted the flight’s diversion to Boston, where law enforcement officers met the aircraft and took Usiripalli into custody.

According to prosecutors, Usiripalli had previously entered the United States on a student visa and was most recently enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. He currently lacks lawful immigration status.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Usiripalli is expected to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Lufthansa for comment.

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