Cat in cockpit causes four-hour plane delay

A cat caused a major flight delay in Canada on Thursday (January 26) after it ran into the cockpit.

The animal, named Ripples, was placed in his carrier after passing though airport security, but owner Debbie Harris accidentally left one of the latches undone.

Passengers on the Air Canada flight from Halifax to Toronto witnessed the 10-year-old feline escape as the carrier gave way, according to ABC News.

Ripples ran through the aisles towards first class, where passengers tried and failed to catch him.

He then entered the cockpit and dived under the pilot's feet into a small inaccessible wiring compartment.

Passengers had to leave the plane as technicians helped free the cat. Ripples was eventually rescued, allowing the flight to take off over four hours behind schedule.