B777 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
Aircraft was in position on the runway for takeoff. Flight Attendant called and said that she had a problem with a passenger and that she would get back to us. Flight Attendant then called a second time shortly thereafter saying the she had a passenger who was afraid to fly and wanted to get off the aircraft and that we needed to go back to the gate. The Flight Attendant B was on the phone relaying info to the Captain (CA); I was monitoring tower as we were awaiting takeoff clearance and was not in on this phone conversation. I asked the CA if he wanted me to get clearance to clear the runway; he said no; stay on the runway and see how long it takes to get our takeoff clearance. Our takeoff clearance came quickly from the tower and the CA said that we were going; and pushed the throttles up for takeoff. We found out later inflight that the passenger in question and 2 (or 3) Flight Attendants were standing in the cabin during takeoff. This event occurred because sufficient time was not taken to address the Flight Attendants concerns about this passenger. Adherence to CRM procedures and taking time to address problems on the ground would have prevented this issue.
While on runway waiting for takeoff clearance from tower; the #1 flight attendant called the cockpit and reported to the 3rd pilot that she had a panicking passenger that wanted to get off the airplane. I told the Flight Attendant B to tell her we were on the runway and that it's too late to get off. We are taking off now. After takeoff; the flight attendant notified me that they were in the aisle still standing when the takeoff was initiated. I informed her that I was unaware that anyone was standing at the time and that she should have been more specific as to the situation. I believe that the fact that the Flight Attendant B was on the phone relaying the message that the communication may have been confused or omitted. I believe that the specifics of the situation were not properly communicated or that the specifics did not get communicated because of the FB taking the call and transferring the info to me. The FB also told me that he was unaware of people standing at the time.
B777 flight and cabin crew reported a passenger had a panic attack while awaiting takeoff clearance. The Captain elected to take off as three flight attendants and the passenger were standing in the galley during the takeoff.