Laptop catches fire on US flight, pilot reports
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Laptop fire on US flight: Passenger devices pose growing risk
Image source:
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Image caption:
An Airbus A321 similar to the one involved in the incident landed safely at Dallas Forth Worth airport.
By Mallory Moench
Published 29 minutes ago
A passenger’s laptop caught fire on an American Airlines flight, potentially burning several people onboard, according to air traffic control audio obtained by the BBC’s US partner CBS News.
"Cabin fire in the back of the airplane," the pilot said. "The flight attendants are trying to put it out now."
"I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop," the pilot added. "The laptop is contained about mid-aircraft."
One passenger was treated and released after American Airlines Flight 2398, originating from Atlanta, Georgia, landed safely at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas on Friday, per the airport.
American Airlines confirmed the incident stating:
"The flight landed safely ‘after reports of smoke from a customer’s device during landing. We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device.’"
The BBC has reached out to both the airport and airline for further details.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns that lithium batteries—including laptop batteries—can overheat due to various factors, such as damage, overheating, water exposure, overcharging, or improper packing.
So far this year, the FAA has recorded 58 verified lithium battery air incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat, with 84 cases related to laptop batteries in the last 20 years. The agency emphasizes that lithium batteries must be stowed in carry-on baggage only.
In May, a UK-bound EasyJet flight from Egypt was diverted to Rome after a power bank charging in a passenger’s checked luggage caused issues.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has expressed concern over the increasing number of serious incidents involving portable chargers worldwide, noting they pose "serious risks" of overheating or catching fire.
