Aug. 22 (UPI) — A laptop caught fire on an American Airlines flight during landing at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, with one passenger getting treatment for burns after landing.
The flight, American Airlines Flight 2398, left Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Friday, People reported.
“American Airlines Flight 2398 landed safely at DFW after reports of smoke from a customer’s device during landing,” the airline said in a statement to the media. “We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device.”
One passenger was treated on site and was later released, the airline said.
“After landing, the aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power. Per procedure, emergency personnel met the aircraft upon arrival to the gate,” the airline said.
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement: “Flight attendants contained the fire with a thermal containment bag.” It said the plane was an Airbus A321.
The FDA reported 58 lithium-ion battery incidents causing smoke or fire on passenger planes this year.
“All lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and undergoing a process called thermal runaway,” the FAA said on its website, along with safety tips for packing them on a plane. “Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects.”
Lithium-ion batteries must be stowed in carry-on baggage only, the FAA said.