- Laptop fire occurred on American Airlines Flight 2398.
- Smoke in cabin, multiple passengers sustained burn injuries.
- Crew contained device; FAA investigating lithium battery risks.
A passenger's laptop caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight on Friday, sending smoke through the cabin and reportedly injuring several passengers before crew members managed to contain the device, CBS reported, citing the audio conversation between the pilot and Air Traffic Controller (ATC).
American Airlines Flight 2398, which was travelling from Atlanta to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), was carrying 133 people when the incident occurred, according to the pilot’s communication with air traffic controllers.
"Cabin fire in the back side"
“Cabin fire in the back of the aeroplane,” the pilot told air traffic control, according to audio obtained by CBS News. “The flight attendants are trying to put it out now.”
The laptop reportedly began smoking around 30 minutes before the flight was due to land. Passenger Jessica Irgens told CBS News that the cabin quickly filled with smoke. She was seated two rows away from where the incident occurred and moved toward the rear of the aircraft because of the heavy smoke.
What happened in mid-air?
According to Irgens, the laptop’s owner placed the burning device in the aisle. Passengers who attempted to help reportedly suffered burns to their hands. Flight attendants eventually placed the laptop inside a thermal containment bag, bringing the situation under control within about five minutes.
Recommended For You
The pilot later told air traffic controllers that four to five passengers may have been burned.
Flight 2398 landed safely at DFW at approximately 6:55 p.m. local time. The airport said one passenger was treated following the incident and subsequently released.
ALSO READ: Alaska Plane Crash: Eight Killed After Charter Aircraft Goes Down Near Radar Site
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said flight attendants successfully contained the fire using a thermal containment bag and confirmed that it is investigating the incident.
American Airlines praised its crew for responding quickly and containing the device, saying the aircraft landed safely after reports of smoke from a passenger’s device.
Big question over lithium-ion batteries
The incident highlights the potential dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries commonly used in laptops, smartphones and power banks. According to the FAA, damaged, overheated, overcharged or improperly packed batteries can undergo a process known as “thermal runaway,” which can cause rapid overheating, smoke or fire.
The FAA has restrictions on the size and quantity of lithium batteries passengers can carry because of these risks.
ALSO READ: Indian-Origin Couple Died From 'Major Impact Trauma' After Light Aircraft Crash In UK
FAA data shows that at least 56 incidents involving lithium batteries, including smoke, fire or overheating, have been reported on flights so far this year.
In another recent case, an Alaska Airlines flight heading to Wichita, Kansas, was forced to return to Seattle after a passenger’s power bank overheated and caught fire.