CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A US Airways Express flight turned back to Charlotte on Tuesday after a passenger punched a flight attendant who spilled water in his lap.
Robert Quarture, 32, was arrested when the plane returned to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. He was charged with attacking a flight attendant.
According to an FBI ( news - web sites) affidavit, Quarture punched the attendant in the stomach shortly after the plane bound for Birmingham, Ala., took off Tuesday morning.
US Airways spokesman Dave Castelveter said 22 passengers were aboard the 50-seat regional jet, with a crew of two pilots and the lone flight attendant.
The male flight attendant was taken to the hospital as a precaution, then released.