A laptop catches fire aboard an American Airlines flight, with the pilot reporting that several passengers may have suffered burn injuries as the crew rushed to contain the device.
American Airlines Flight 2398, operating from Atlanta to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, landed safely at DFW after smoke was reported from a passenger’s laptop during landing. The aircraft was carrying 133 people.
“Cabin fire in the back of the airplane,” the pilot told air traffic control. “The flight attendants are trying to put it out now.”
The situation became more concerning when the pilot reported that approximately four to five passengers may have been burned by the laptop. The device was eventually contained around the middle of the aircraft.
DFW Airport said one passenger was treated after the flight and released.
American Airlines praised its crew for responding quickly and safely containing the device, allowing the aircraft to land without further incident.
The incident once again highlights the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which power laptops, smartphones, power banks and many other personal electronic devices.
According to the FAA, damaged, overheated, overcharged, exposed-to-water or improperly packed lithium batteries can experience “thermal runaway” — a dangerous chain reaction in which a battery rapidly overheats and can produce smoke, fire or flames.
FAA data indicates that there have already been at least 56 reported lithium-battery incidents involving smoke, fire or overheating on flights this year.
This is not an isolated concern. In February, an Alaska Airlines flight heading to Wichita was forced to return to Seattle after a passenger’s power bank overheated and caught fire.
While Flight 2398 ended with a safe landing, the reported injuries demonstrate how quickly a seemingly ordinary electronic device can become a serious in-flight emergency.
For passengers, the message is clear: damaged or swollen batteries and malfunctioning electronic devices should never be ignored, especially during a flight.
