B757-200
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
During landing the tire blew and created a metal grinding sound as the plane was taxing. The Captain made the decision to discontinue taxing and park the aircraft and wait for Maintenance to arrive. An announcement was made by the Captain that the tire would need to be changed and it would be at least an additional 30 minute delay. The A Flight Attendant spoke with Captain and confirmed the information given over the PA. Flight Attendant A conferred with the remaining Flight Attendant crew B; C; and D that we needed to perform a water service due to the extended delay. A PA was made by the A Flight Attendant explaining the crew would be offering water. At this time the passenger in First Class exited from the lavatory requesting a rum and Coke. An apology was given and it was explained to him that we were only offering water. He became upset and questioned the A Flight Attendant. Flight Attendant D also explained we were on the tarmac and would not be serving alcohol. The passenger had consumed 4 alcoholic beverages in flight possibly 5 because it was believed he consumed his traveling companions' beverage. This does not include pre-departure service. (The passenger did not display signs of intoxication during the flight). He repeatedly kept asking about the delay and at one point was on his cell phone at the 1L door and A Flight Attendant overheard him say 'the Flight Attendant is lying' and he had used some derogatory language. Just as the A Flight Attendant was about to ask him to take his seat he sat down. He then proceeded to ask about the delay again. That's when I; the A Flight Attendant said I would see what was going on. I allowed the passenger to fluster me and take me away from policy and procedures and I opened the door to verify Maintenance fixing the problem [the emergency escape slide deployed]. I honestly wanted him to leave me alone. I was frustrated; tired; and just simply flustered. I thought I had performed self monitor and challenge; but I had allowed myself to become totally distracted from my actual duties. Putting myself; the crew; and the individuals on the tarmac in an unsafe situation. I allowed a passenger to distract me and take me away from procedural duties. Should of traded positions with another flight attendant and removed myself from the situation.
A B757 Flight Attendant became flustered and distracted by a passenger demanding a prohibited alcoholic beverage during a tire change delay after landing; then deployed a slide while intending to check the tire change progress.