Pilot enraged over confiscated nail clippers

A Northwest Airlines pilot erupted in fury after airport security confiscated his fingernail clippers and scissors, it has emerged.

Police intervened and the incident was being reported to the Federal Aviation Administration, but no charges were filed against the pilot, whom Northwest refused to identify.

The flight to Minneapolis left Rapid City Regional Airport, South Dakota, on schedule on Wednesday with the pilot at the controls.

Stricter security measures since the September 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast include a ban on items that could be used as weapons. The new rules also apply to pilots and flight attendants.

‘‘There was a lot of commotion, like he was throwing a tantrum,’’ said Alice James of Rapid City, who witnessed the incident as she was dropping off her daughter and grandson.

‘‘We are concerned by the reports that we’ve heard,’’ said Northwest spokesman Kurt Ebenhoch.

‘‘We will fully investigate the matter and follow up with appropriate action.’’