Grandma’s quick action helps avert disaster mid-flight
- Replies 0
Nicole Pruitt boarded a Delta flight from Georgia to Arizona, excited to meet her new grandchild.
The 64-year-old grandmother and Army veteran expected a quiet, uneventful trip.
But mid-flight, something unexpected happened that had passengers on edge.
As tension rose in the cabin, Nicole found herself facing a serious decision.
What she did next left a lasting impression on everyone aboard.
A tense moment in the air
About an hour after takeoff, the calm atmosphere changed suddenly.
A woman experiencing what appeared to be a mental health episode moved quickly toward the cockpit and emergency exit, claiming she had to leave the plane after “speaking with God.”
With 180 passengers on board, the risk was serious.
Nicole Pruitt noticed the lack of response around her and stepped in. “Nobody else was doing anything, so I just knew I had to,” she later said.
She restrained the passenger and held her down until help arrived.
Also read: Unruly passenger’s X-rated mid-flight incident forces plane back to gate
Footage and praise flood social media
Cell phone videos from the cabin circulated widely online, showing Pruitt standing nearby as the woman lay subdued with her hands secured.
Many praised Pruitt’s composure, with comments calling her a hero and suggesting Delta offer her lifetime flights or first-class upgrades.
“She LITERALLY saved everyone,” one commenter wrote.
Others, including flight attendants, expressed deep gratitude for her bravery during a chaotic moment.
Also read: Shocking video: United plane engulfed in flames on Texas runway—see how passengers escaped disaster!
Family and community rally behind her
Nicole’s son, Tyrique Perry, shared what happened in a video on social media, praising his mother for stepping in when others hesitated.
He also started a GoFundMe page, describing her as a protector and veteran who acted out of love for her family and fellow passengers.
“She wasn’t asked. She just knew someone had to do something,” he wrote.
Supporters quickly donated and left words of appreciation for her courage.
Also read: Think twice before wearing shorts on a plane—flight attendants explain why
Delta responds as questions surface
Delta Airlines acknowledged the situation and thanked both staff and customers for helping de-escalate the emergency.
While it’s unclear whether the unruly passenger will face charges, the incident has sparked conversations around mental health support in air travel and the role of everyday passengers in emergency response.
Nicole’s actions, many agree, helped prevent what could have been a tragic event.
Also read: Stunned passengers watch crew wrestle first-class passenger in mid-flight meltdown
Everyday heroism at 30,000 feet
Nicole Pruitt’s experience reminds us that heroism isn’t defined by age or occupation.
Her military service gave her the skills—but her decision to act came from a place of care and instinct.
Many older adults, like Nicole, carry a lifetime of experience that can make all the difference when things go wrong.
Her story also underscores the value of veterans in civilian life and the power of compassion during unexpected moments.
Read next: She boarded a plane and hours later, she was in a hospital burn unit—what happened mid-flight?
We’d love to hear your stories. Have you been in a situation where you had to help someone or take charge unexpectedly? Do you think airlines should do more to recognize brave passengers like Nicole? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
The 64-year-old grandmother and Army veteran expected a quiet, uneventful trip.
But mid-flight, something unexpected happened that had passengers on edge.
As tension rose in the cabin, Nicole found herself facing a serious decision.
What she did next left a lasting impression on everyone aboard.
Nicole Pruitt, a retired Army veteran and grandmother, acted swiftly to prevent a crisis during her Delta flight. Image Source: YouTube / 11Alive.
A tense moment in the air
About an hour after takeoff, the calm atmosphere changed suddenly.
A woman experiencing what appeared to be a mental health episode moved quickly toward the cockpit and emergency exit, claiming she had to leave the plane after “speaking with God.”
With 180 passengers on board, the risk was serious.
Nicole Pruitt noticed the lack of response around her and stepped in. “Nobody else was doing anything, so I just knew I had to,” she later said.
She restrained the passenger and held her down until help arrived.
Also read: Unruly passenger’s X-rated mid-flight incident forces plane back to gate
Footage and praise flood social media
Cell phone videos from the cabin circulated widely online, showing Pruitt standing nearby as the woman lay subdued with her hands secured.
Many praised Pruitt’s composure, with comments calling her a hero and suggesting Delta offer her lifetime flights or first-class upgrades.
“She LITERALLY saved everyone,” one commenter wrote.
Others, including flight attendants, expressed deep gratitude for her bravery during a chaotic moment.
Also read: Shocking video: United plane engulfed in flames on Texas runway—see how passengers escaped disaster!
Family and community rally behind her
Nicole’s son, Tyrique Perry, shared what happened in a video on social media, praising his mother for stepping in when others hesitated.
He also started a GoFundMe page, describing her as a protector and veteran who acted out of love for her family and fellow passengers.
“She wasn’t asked. She just knew someone had to do something,” he wrote.
Supporters quickly donated and left words of appreciation for her courage.
Also read: Think twice before wearing shorts on a plane—flight attendants explain why
Delta responds as questions surface
Delta Airlines acknowledged the situation and thanked both staff and customers for helping de-escalate the emergency.
While it’s unclear whether the unruly passenger will face charges, the incident has sparked conversations around mental health support in air travel and the role of everyday passengers in emergency response.
Nicole’s actions, many agree, helped prevent what could have been a tragic event.
Also read: Stunned passengers watch crew wrestle first-class passenger in mid-flight meltdown
Everyday heroism at 30,000 feet
Nicole Pruitt’s experience reminds us that heroism isn’t defined by age or occupation.
Her military service gave her the skills—but her decision to act came from a place of care and instinct.
Many older adults, like Nicole, carry a lifetime of experience that can make all the difference when things go wrong.
Her story also underscores the value of veterans in civilian life and the power of compassion during unexpected moments.
Read next: She boarded a plane and hours later, she was in a hospital burn unit—what happened mid-flight?
We’d love to hear your stories. Have you been in a situation where you had to help someone or take charge unexpectedly? Do you think airlines should do more to recognize brave passengers like Nicole? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
