A B757 flight attendant became flustered and distracted by a passenger demanding a prohibited alcoho...

Narrative:

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.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: 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.

Narrative: 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.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1128945
Time
Date	201311
Local Time Of Day	0001-0600
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B757-200
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Taxi
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Main Gear Tire
Person 1
Function	Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Qualification	Flight Attendant Current
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown

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.