Date of
Incident
Reporter Type Carriage Category Reported Description
06/04/22 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During the deplaning process, a passenger reportedly threw an open tray charger
that contained Lithium ion batteries used to operate an e-cigarette device into the
jetway causing a dangerous evolution of heat. Airline personnel safely secured the
batteries within a Thermal Containment Bag. Crew members deplaned the
remaining passengers without further incident.
05/31/22 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
A package containing a Dell laptop computer was damaged by a vehicle during the
cargo sortation process. The damage occurred in a drive lane outside of the sort
facility and caused the battery to ignite. A fire extinguisher was used to put out the
blaze.
05/20/22 Allegiant Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's e-cigarette overheated and emitted smoke in the cabin. A flight
attendant took possession of the device and immersed it in water. The local airport
response team took possession of the device upon landing.
05/20/22 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger's checked bag was discovered to be on fire during baggage transfer.
The bag was pulled off the transfer cart and extinguished. It was reported that the
fire originated from a battery-charging tray containing six Lithium ion batteries
installed.
05/06/22 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's e-cigarette overheated during a flight from Newark to the Ft.
Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. The device was placed into a Thermal
Containment Bag by airline personnel. The flight continued without further
incident.
05/04/22 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger's Lithium battery power bank overheated and melted while being used
to charge a cellphone in the cabin. What caused the device to overheat is unknown.
Flight attendants secured the device and delivered it to airport personnel for
disposal.
05/03/22 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A Lithium battery began to smoke during a flight travelling from the Miami
International Airport to Dallas Ft. Worth, Texas. The device was secured in a
Thermal Containment Bag. The flight continued without diversion.
05/01/22 NetJets Aviation Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's e-cigarette device began to overheat while in route from Palm Beach,
FL to Louisville, KY. The aircrew was initially unable to cool down the device. A
flight diversion was safely executed by the carrier to the Atlanta International
Airport. The Lithium battery reportedly did not smoke and eventually cooled down.
04/26/22 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package containing devices powered by Lithium ion batteries was discovered
burnt and charred at a cargo processing facility. A device within the package
reportedly went into thermal runaway while in transportation but did not spread to
other devices within the package. There were no injuries reported.
04/19/22 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A dangerous evolution of heat occurred when a passenger's e-cigarette began to
overheat mid-flight. The device was secured by airline personnel and placed into a
thermal containment bag for the remainder of the trip. A diversion did not occur
and there were no injuries reported.
04/16/22 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
A package containing a laptop computer began to smoke at a cargo sortation facility.
The computer was reportedly being returned to the manufacturer with previous
damage. The smoking package was isolated and placed into a salvage drum for
containment. There were no injuries reported.
04/13/22 American Airlines Passenger Laptop
An in flight thermal event occurred when a passenger's laptop computer began to
malfunction, over heat, and would not turn off. Airline personnel secured the device
and placed it into a thermal containment bag. The flight landed without further
incident. There were no injuries reported.
EVENTS WITH SMOKE, FIRE, EXTREME HEAT OR EXPLOSION INVOLVING LITHIUM BATTERIES
07/01/2022
As of July 1, 2022, there have been 375 aviation related incidents involving lithium batteries carried as cargo or baggage recorded since January 23, 2006. Note: These are events
that the FAA is aware of and should not be considered a complete listing of all such incidents. The incident summaries included here are intended to be brief and objective. They do
not represent all information the FAA has collected, nor do they include all investigative or enforcement action taken. This list does not include three major accidents where lithium
battery cargo shipments were implicated but not proven to be the source of the fire: An Asiana Airlines 747 near South Korea on July 28, 2011, a UPS 747 on September 3, 2010 and
a UPS DC-8 in Philadelphia, PA on February 7, 2006.
04/12/22 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
An inflight dangerous evolution of heat occurred when a passenger's cell phone fell
between the seats. The passenger adjusted the seat to retrieve it damaging the
phone in the process. The damage caused the phone to overheat and smoke. A
nearby flight attendant contained the event by pouring water on the device and
then placing it into a thermal containment bag. The flight continued to its final
destination without further incident.
04/09/22 Mesa Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A dangerous evolution of heat occurred when a passenger's e-cigarette began to
overheat. The device was placed into a thermal containment bag by flight
attendants. There were no injuries reported.
04/07/22 United Airlines Passenger Laptop
A passenger's laptop computer went into thermal runaway and began to smoke.
Airline personnel extinguished the fire and placed the computer into a thermal
containment bag. The flight landed without further incident. There were no injuries
reported.
03/26/22 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
An in-flight thermal event occurred when a passenger's power bank began to
overheat and emit smoke. Airline personnel submerged the device in water and
then secured it in a thermal containment bag. There were no injuries reported.
03/24/22 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's e-cigarette reportedly began to emit a "burning odor". A flight
attendant secured the device and placed it in a thermal containment bag. The flight
landed without further incident. There were no injuries or diversion reported.
03/10/22 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's e-cigarette device was placed into a thermal containment bag by
airline crew members as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential release.
It's unclear what device malfunction may have triggered the abundance of caution.
03/02/22 American Airlines Passenger Laptop
A passenger's laptop went into thermal runaway inflight. The fire was extinguished
and placed into a thermal containment bag by airline personnel. There were no
injuries reported. The aircraft landed without further incident.
02/27/22 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
While on a Jet Bridge, a passengers backpack began smoking due to a Lithium
Battery fire.
02/16/22 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
An e-cigarette within a passenger's carry on bag went into thermal runaway. A small
fire was extinguished and the item secured in a thermal containment bag.
02/11/22 Air Evac Lifeteam Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
An e-cigarette containing two lithium batteries overheated resulting in fire and
smoke while inside of a crewmembers flight suit pocket. The crewmember received
2nd and 3rd degree burns and was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
02/13/22 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
An e-cigarette went into thermal runaway during a flight from Los Angeles to
Chicago. The e-cigarette was submerged in water and placed within a thermal
containment bag.
01/07/22 Endeavor Air Passenger Cell Phone
A Lithium battery thermal event occurred when a cell phone battery overheated.
There aircraft was deplaned. One passenger was treated for injuries.
01/03/22 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries A box containing Lithium batteries reportedly ignited at a cargo sort facility.
12/31/21 Alaska Airlines Passenger Laptop
A Laptop within checked baggage was discovered smoking within the aircraft's lower
cargo hold while loading. The incident resulted in a forty five minute departure
delay.
12/28/21 DHL Airlines Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
During the transportation process a Lithium battery was discovered to have burnt
though the outer packaging. It's unclear was caused the thermal event.
12/25/21 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A cell phone battery overheated and released smoke into the cabin while in flight.
The item was placed into a Thermal Containment Bag and secured by the flight
crew.
12/24/21 American Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
A piece of carry-on luggage containing a Lithium battery powered device started
smoldering in flight. The flight was diverted.
12/23/21 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A vape pen with a Lithium Ion Battery overheated. The pen was placed into a
Thermal Containment Bag.
12/21/21 DHL Airlines Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package containing Lithium Ion Batteries exploded and caught fire within a cargo
facility.
12/20/21 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A lithium ion battery stowed within a customers briefcase caught fire. The fire took
place within the aircraft cabin while positioned at the gate. The battery was part of
an e-cigarette.
12/12/21 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A Lithium Battery heated up and expanded while in flight. There was no release or
fire reported. The Battery was placed in a Thermal Containment Bag.
12/07/21 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A disposable e-Cig fell into a lavatory and started to smoke. The e-cig was placed in
a Thermal Containment bag
11/29/21 Alaska Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's Vape Pen Battery started smoking onboard an aircraft while taxiing for
takeoff. The aircraft returned to the gate with no injuries reported.
11/16/21 American Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passengers cell phone was smoking on-board the plane while travelling from
Charlotte, NC to Frankfurt, Germany. The phone was placed in a fire containment
bag. The flight was not diverted.
11/13/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
During offloading, there was a Lithium Ion Battery found to be smoking and resulted
in a melted bag.
11/02/21 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A Lithium Battery was discovered overheating and releasing smoke within the
aircraft cabin.
10/27/21 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
During the aviation cargo sortation process a hazardous materials package was
discovered emitting smoke. Upon review of the package contents, nineteen Lithium-
ion batteries had melted, possibly as a result of a handling error.
10/19/21 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
An inflight thermal runaway event occurred when a passenger’s cell phone
overheated and expanded. Aircrew personnel mitigated the incident by placing the
phone inside a thermal containment bag.
10/13/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger s checked bag burst into flames during the offloading process. The
suspected source of fire was a Lithium battery powered smart tag. Airport Fire
Department personnel arrived on scene and extinguished the flames
09/30/21 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
During sort operations, a Lithium Battery caught fire and released smoke inside of a
building.
09/29/21 Republic Airways Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A thermal runaway event occurred during the boarding process. A Lithium battery
inside a passenger’s carry-on baggage suddenly began to burn and emit smoke. The
incident was contained by airline personnel. There were no injuries reported.
09/10/21 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger's cell phone battery overheated while the aircraft was on its final
approach to Denver, CO. The incident was contained by airline personnel prior
tolanding. There were no injuries reported.
08/20/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
A passenger was charging a laptop computer with a small power bank. The power
bank started to smoke and spark in a thermal runaway event. The incident was
contained by airline personnel. There were no injuries reported.
08/11/21 Envoy Air Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
A laptop computer battery began to smoke while onboard a flight that was still at
the gate. The laptop was removed from the aircraft prior to takeoff.
08/15/21 United Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
An iPad went into thermal runaway during a flight from Korea to San Francisco
International Airport over the Pacific Ocean. The incident was contained by airline
personnel. There were no injuries reported.
08/08/21 Alaska Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger’s e-Cigarette started overheating. The device was put in a battery
containment bag. No injuries were reported.
08/05/21 Alaska Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
A passenger was sleeping with a flashlight around their neck when the battery began
to burn. The flashlight was put in a “burn bag” and secured by airline personnel.
08/04/21 Horizon Air Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
An e-Cigarette device “sizzled and smoked” inflight while headed to Sacramento, CA
from Seattle, WA. Airline personnel contained the incident.
08/03/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A piece of luggage containing a Lithium battery powered multi charger device was
found smoking while being transferred to another flight. The luggage was removed
from circulation by the airline.
07/31/21 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger's cell phone battery began to smoke and was contained by airline
personnel.
07/31/21 Frontier Airlines Passenger Unknown
A passenger’s luggage was found damaged evidently by a small fire. The heat
source was not determined but is suspected to be a Lithium battery.
07/30/21 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger’s e-Cigarette began smoking while in flight. Airline personnel used a
thermal containment bag to deescalate the incident.
07/18/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
During routine screening, the Transportation Security Administration
discovered a notebook computer with a swollen Lithium battery still hot. The
computer was removed from the luggage and the passenger was informed that the
computer could not be transported.
07/16/21 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A vaping device overheated while inflight from Los Cabos, Mexico to Chicago, IL.
There was no release or injuries involved. The incident was contained by airline
personnel.
07/15/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered a laptop with a swollen
Lithium Battery, during the screening process. The airline removed the laptop from
the passenger’s luggage and the passenger was informed that the laptop could not
be transported.
07/13/21 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A fire involving a Lithium battery inside of a package ensued at a cargo location. The
package contained four Lithium batteries of which one burned at the cargo
warehouse facility.
07/08/21 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
While in flight, a battery charger overheated and released a small amount of smoke
inside the aircraft. The charging device was placed inside a thermal containment
bag. There were no injuries reported.
07/03/21 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
During the deplaning process, an e-Cigarette Lithium battery started smoking. The
passenger deplaned before airline personnel could assist.
06/30/21 JetBlue Airways Passenger Cell Phone
A Lithium battery powered cell phone went into thermal runaway during flight. The
fire was extinguished by airline personnel. The cell phone was placed on a metal
tray for temporary containment. There were no injuries reported.
06/21/21 Envoy Air Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A Lithium battery powered Vape Pen went into thermal runaway and started
sparking. A flight attendant sprayed the vape device with a Halon extinguisher and
placed it into a containment bag until the plane landed. There were no injuries
reported.
06/18/21 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A Lithium battery inside of a package was found smoking due to unknown causes.
The incident occurred while the package was traveling down a conveyor belt. No
injuries were reported.
06/11/21 DHL Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A shipment offered for air transportation was discovered smoking in cargo and
isolated. Item was determined that a Lithium Battery went into thermal runaway
within the shipment.
06/09/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger
Cell Phone
Two passengers reportedly engaged in a tussle that resulted in a cell phone being
damaged and produced smoke due to Lithium battery damage. As a result of the
incident the aircraft was diverted to Pensacola International Airport.
06/09/21 American Airlines Passenger
Battery Packs/Batteries
Reported that while aircraft was on the runway, a power bank started smoking. The
power bank was placed inside a fire containment bag and aircraft returned to gate.
05/31/21 American Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
An aircraft passenger's phone started to smoke while on an aircraft at the Boston
International Airport. As a result, there was an emergency de-planement. One
passenger was injured during de-planement. All passengers returned to gate area.
05/19/21 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger's portable battery charging unit started to overheat and smoke. This
released smoke into the air onboard a flight.
05/19/21 Horizon Air Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
A pair of ear buds started smoking. The ear buds were placed in a containment bag.
The flight was in the process of pushing when this event occurred causing the flight
to return to the gate. Once at the gate, the ear buds were disposed. There were no
injuries or damage to the aircraft.
05/14/21 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A power bank in a passenger's back pack stored under seat started to overheat and
smoke. The incident occurred while onboard an airplane that was inflight. There
were no reported injuries. Incident occurred 20 - 30 minutes prior to landing over
Tampa, Fl.
04/23/21 JetBlue Airways Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger's i-Phone 10 had a thermal discharge while the aircraft was at the gate.
04/05/21 Mesa Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A lithium battery charger that was in the luggage of a passenger exploded while
being transported from the gate to the aircraft.
03/17/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's vaping device began to overheat in his pocket while in the lavatory.
Flight attendants placed the device in a containment bag. Fire rescue met the
aircrew upon landing and disposed of the device.
03/09/21 FEDEX Cargo Cell Phone
A package containing cellular phones and spare cell phone batteries was run over by
handling equipment during cargo sortation causing a fire that was extinguished by
airport fire rescue upon arrival.
03/03/21 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger’s cell phone battery began to burn while in flight over the Gulf of
Mexico. Airline personnel extinguished the fire and secured the phone in a thermal
containment bag.
02/19/21 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger’s checked bag began to burn during routine screening operations at the
TSA baggage inspection area. The fire was contained by airport personnel.
02/16/21 Southwest Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger’s phone began to smoke while watching a movie on it in flight. The
phone was placed in an inflight containment bag until the flight landed.
01/27/21 United Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
A thermal event ensued when a pair of earbuds were being charged by a passenger
in flight. The earbuds were placed in a thermal containment bag until the smoke
was extinguished.
01/04/21 DHL Cargo Laptop
A package containing a laptop computer began to smolder when the battery
overheated in a thermal runaway event. The package was intercepted and placed in
a metal recovery drum.
12/22/20 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A piece of checked luggage began to burn on the baggage claim belt. The cause of
fire was identified as an e-Cigarette charger that began to smolder and burn.
12/18/20 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A portable electronic device heated and expanded while in flight. Flight attendants
put the battery into a containment bag.
12/03/20 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
An e-Cigarette caught fire in a passenger’s carry-on bag while the aircraft was still at
the gate. The batteries were exposed to metal causing a short. Two passengers
sustained minor injuries.
11/04/20 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A Lithium battery fire ensued when a package was being off loaded from a cargo
aircraft. Fire department personnel arrived to extinguish the fire.
10/14/20 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A shipment containing batteries began to burn inside of a package during the
handling process.
10/09/20 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A shipment containing Lithium batteries began to burn inside of a unit load device
causing an evacuation at an air cargo sort facility. The incident was referred to the
USPS investigative service.
10/07/20 Delta Airlines Passenger Laptop
A passenger was charging a power bank that began to overheat and smoke during
flight. The battery was extinguished and secured in a containment bag.
09/29/20 Alaska Airlines Passenger Laptop
A passenger's laptop computer began to smolder and burn while in-flight causing
the aircraft to divert and land at an alternate location.
09/22/20 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger carry-on bag containing e-Cigarette batteries caught fire in the cabin.
Flight attendants quickly extinguished the blaze.
09/04/20 United Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
A Lithium battery used to power a portable Bluetooth speaker began to burn in a
piece of luggage while in flight. An inflight emergency was declared and the aircraft
was diverted for an emergency landing. Upon landing, the fire was contained.
08/20/20 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
An e-cigarette charger began to burn inside a passenger's checked bag while being
of loaded from the aircraft. An airline employee sustained minor injuries.
08/12/20 Alaska Airlines Passenger Laptop
Two laptops containing batteries began to burn in a passengers checked baggage.
No injuries were reported.
08/10/20 Kalitta Air Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package containing a Lithium-ion battery was dropped during the cargo handling
process causing a fire. The facility was evacuated as a precaution.
08/02/20 Alaska Airlines Passenger Laptop
A passenger alerted a flight attendant that their laptop screen began to melt during
flight causing the pilot to divert and land at a different location. The laptop was
placed in a fire containment bag and secured.
07/08/20 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger’s vape pen battery started to burn at the landing gate. The passenger
reportedly immediately deplaned and fled. Flight attendants used a fire extinguisher
and containment bag to control the thermal event.
07/08/20 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A driver noticed a burning smell coming from packages containing Lithium batteries
originating from overseas. Charring and burn marks were discovered within one of
the packages.
06/24/20 DHL Cargo e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A shipment destined for air transport containing E-Cigarettes caught fire and while
loaded in a delivery van.
06/24/20 Frontier Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
A portable electronic device (PED) began overheating and expanding during fight.
The PED was subsequently placed in a fire containment bag.
06/23/20 Southwest Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
A battery powered welding device in checked baggage was left on by a passenger,
was inadvertently activated and began smoking during offloading.
05/30/20 Atlas Air Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A pallet fire believed to have been caused by batteries erupted during transfer
sortation operations.
04/20/20 Delta Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A vaping device began smoking while in checked luggage. Officials contained the
incident and intercepted the device prior to loading.
03/22/20 Frontier Passenger Laptop
A passenger’s laptop began smoking in carry-on luggage during flight. The laptop
was placed in a containment bag and monitored by crew.
03/22/20 Skywest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Two spare batteries began smoking in a passenger’s carry-on bag causing minor
damage to the aircraft carpet. Passenger sustained minor burns.
03/20/20 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Two batteries in a passenger’s charger for a vape device started to smoke and melt.
03/18/20 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Three undeclared Lithium batteries concealed within a DVD player began smoking
during sortation operations.
03/11/20 Skywest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Passenger was using his laptop to charge batteries while in his carry-on prior to take
off. The batteries began to smoke causing the flight attendants to deplane the
aircraft to contain the fire.
03/08/20 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
An e-Cigarette began smoking in a passenger’s pocket while using a laptop
computer to charge the device in flight.
03/08/20 FEDEX Cargo Other Device Types
A package containing a smart meter spontaneously combusted. The fire was
extinguished and the package placed in a salvage drum.
03/08/20 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger’s laptop battery began overheating in flight. The battery was secured
in a containment bag.
02/26/20 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A flight was diverted when a passenger’s cell phone started to burn. The cell phone
was placed in a containment bag and later discarded.
02/20/20 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger traveling with a battery was burned when the battery caught fire
shortly after takeoff burning the passenger’s shirt. The fire was contained and the
flight continued on to its destination.
01/22/20 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A vaping device began smoking while in a carry-on bag prior to entering a
connecting flight.
01/22/20 FDEA Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A Lithium battery began to smolder during sort operations. Package was isolated
and contained in a salvage drum.
01/22/20 Eviation Aircraft Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A lithium battery used to power an experimental aircraft exploded at Prescott
Airport in Prescott, AZ. The investigation is ongoing.
01/17/20 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A vaping device began smoking during flight. The matter was brought to the
attention of flight attendants that contained the incident for the remainder of the
flight.
01/14/20 American Airlines N/A e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
At Indianapolis, IN, (IND) a passenger’s bag caught fire while it was on the baggage
conveyor system en route to the baggage sortation room. An e-cigarette and spare
batteries were inside the bag.
01/14/20 United Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
A GoPro device overheated in the cabin while the preparing for take-off. The Pilots
decided to return to the gate.
01/10/20 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
On flight 1287, from NY, NY (LGA) to Atlanta, GA (ATL), a customer’s e-cigarette
overheated. The device was placed in a battery containment bag.
01/10/20 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Upon arrival at St Croix, USVI, (STX), spare batteries from an e-cigarette fell from a
passenger’s bag and caught fire when they impacted the floor, scorching the carpet.
12/26/19 UPS N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
A battery in a shipment was damaged during customs inspection and began to spark
and smoke. The battery was placed in a salvage drum.
12/03/19 Southwest Airlines N/A Laptop
The battery of a passengers laptop overheated and expanded while being screened
at the TSA checkpoint in Sacramento, CA (SMF).
11/28/19 Delta Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
On flight 1932 from Las Vega, NV (LAS) to Detroit, MI (DTW), while taxiing to the
gate upon arrival at DTW a fire occurred from a battery used for an electronic
cigarette. On board fire containment bag was utilized to extinguish the fire.
11/18/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flight 285, a lithium battery fire occurred during the boarding process. The on
board fire containment bag was utilized to extinguish the fire.
11/16/19 UPS N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
UPS in Louisville, KY reported that a lithium-ion battery inside package experienced
a dangerous evolution of heat that occurred. No fire occurred. The package was
charred and scorched.
11/10/19 UPS N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
At the UPS facility in Cologne, Germany, a package was discovered emitting a
burning odor; the package contained a lithium battery that was smoldering.
11/09/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
In flight, about one hour away from Denver, CO, a passenger’s e cigarette with
lithium batteries inside their coat began emitting a burning odor. Investigation is
ongoing.
11/07/19 UPS N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
At the sort facility in Louisville, KY, while opening a box to perform an inspection, a
lithium ion battery was drilled into resulting, in a thermal event (charring,
smoldering / no flame).
10/26/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flight 2762 from Las Vegas, NV (LAS) to Chicago, IL (MDW) a passenger’s lithium
battery began smoking during a flight. The flight attendant took the battery, placed
it in a containment bag and cooled it with water.
10/25/19 PSA Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
While a passenger was boarding a flight their bag began emitting smoke. The bag
contained an electronic cigarette, the battery and its charger was burned.
09/10/19 American Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
In Dallas, TX (DFW), a passenger bag containing a portable speaker caught fire in a
baggage cart on the ramp at gate D34 . The fire was extinguished, but several
adjacent passenger bags were affected as well. All baggage involved was placed in
American Airlines hazmat holding for further investigation.
09/05/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
While deplaning, a passenger's laptop was smoking. The passenger ran onto the
boarding bridge with the laptop. No further information about the type of battery or
the passenger's name.
09/04/19 FEDEX Cargo Cell Phone
A package containing an I-phone was dropped and dragged by handling equipment
and subsequently caught fire. An employee submersed the package in water to
extinguish the fire.
08/26/19 Atlas Air Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
During shipment handling in the cargo warehouse, a forklift operator inadvertently
punctured a box on a pallet. The box caught fire when the forklift blade made
contact with the lithium batteries inside. The fire only lasted a few seconds and self
extinguished.
08/22/19 Skywest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On a SkyWest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Austin, TX (AUS) a passenger’s
portable battery charger began to heat up and would not turn off, it then began to
smoke. The flight attendant placed the device in a battery containment bag and
monitored the device.
08/12/19 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During baggage loading, a customer’s checked bag began emitting smoke while it
was on the baggage cart prior to being loaded on the aircraft. The source was
identified as spare lithium batteries contained within portable charger. Batteries
shorted out, began to burn and caused clothing contained within to smolder and
melt. The bag was extinguished and returned to TSA for additional screening. No
injuries or additional damage was reported.
08/04/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger's cell phone began smoking during boarding. The phone was placed in a
fire containment bag with water and removed from aircraft. No injuries or damage
reported.
07/26/19 DHL N/A Other Device Types
A package was discovered smoldering during the sorting process at the Erlanger, KY
(CVG) HUB. The package was removed from the sort system and placed in a salvage
drum. It contained electronic equipment with a lithium-ion battery, approximately
50wh. The inner package showed signs of burning.
07/15/19 N/A N/A Laptop
At JFK Airport, a Unit Load Device (ULD) was inadvertently dropped as it was being
transported from the warehouse to the tarmac. Shortly after it a package inside of it
began to emit smoke and soon after was on fire. The ULD contained several boxes of
used laptops
06/30/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
After Southwest airlines flight 1903 was fully boarded, a passenger’s carry-on bag
under the seat, containing and e-cig nit core i4 battery charger with two batteries
started to smoke. The flight attendant used the halon fire extinguisher. The aircraft
was evacuated and taken out of service.
06/19/19 N/A N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
While going through TSA screening, a passenger’s carry on bag caught fire and was
put out by a fire extinguisher. The cause of the fire appeared to have come from
items in a pouch, which included a Power Bank.
06/16/19 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger’s phone became lodged in their seat while they were sleeping, they
awoke to the phone smoking. The phone was placed in a containment bag and then
returned to the passenger upon arrival in Houston.
06/09/19 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Approximately 7 hours into flight AA731 from London, UK (LHR) to Charlotte, NC
(CLT), a bag in the overhead compartment began to smoke. It was removed and
extinguished. The source appeared to be an e-cigarette which was placed in a
containment bag. No other damage was reported.
06/07/19 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Onboard DL flight 68, from Narita, Japan (NRT) to Portland, OR (PWM) a battery
pack plugged into a passengers tablet caught fire. It was extinguished and placed in
a containment bag. No other damage was reported.
06/02/19 British Airways Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A large lithium-ion battery (1,200 Wh) caught fire at a cargo warehouse in Los
Angeles, CA (LAX). The fire was extinguished but then re-ignited several times. It was
being shipped as US Mail and was not declared to contain any hazardous material.
05/22/19 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
While loading baggage on DL flight 880 from Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Minneapolis,
MN (MSP), ramp personnel noticed a bag on the belt loader emitting smoke. It was
placed onto the ground and caught fire. The fire department was called and they
extinguished the bag. The bag contained an E-cigarette, spare batteries.
05/21/19 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package containing a power pack/charger was run over and dragged by a piece of
ground equipment and subsequently ignited. It was extinguished and held in a
salvage drum for inspection.
05/03/19 PSA Passenger Laptop
On PSA flight 5062, from Sarasota, FL (SRQ) to Charlotte, NC (CLT) a passenger’s
laptop began to emit signs of a dangerous evolution of heat while onboard, prior to
pushback. The laptop was thrown out of the aircraft by the flight attendant, where
the ramp personnel used a fire extinguisher to prevent the laptop from actually
burning. The laptop was taken by the fire department.
04/15/19 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
While waiting to board her flight, a passenger’s E-cigarette began to smolder and
emit smoke while she was holding it. She dropped the device and it began to make
popping sounds. The fire department responded and rendered the device safe. No
injuries or damage were reported.
04/05/19 Skywest Airlines Passenger Laptop
On SWIA flight 5598 from Los Angeles (LAX) to Mammoth, CA (MMH), after push
back, a flight attendant's electronic flight attendant device (EFAD) battery caught on
fire. The fire was extinguished quickly and the EFAD was placed in the fire
containment bag.
03/31/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
Onboard flight 3946, from Austin, TX (AUS) to Kansas City, KS (MCI), a passenger’s
laptop began to spark and smoke.
03/29/19 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
On a flight from Chicago, IL (ORD) to London, UK (LHR), a passenger reported that a
cell phone began to smoke after it was inadvertently lodged between two seats.
Investigation is ongoing. No further information available at this time
03/26/19 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
On a flight from Manchester, UK (MAN) to Newark, NJ (EWR), a passenger reported
that an e-cigarette began to smoke. The item was placed into a containment bag.
Investigation is ongoing. No further information available at this time.
03/22/19 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
In St. Kitts (SKB), during baggage loading, a passenger’s checked bag was found to be
emitting smoke and flames in the cargo bin. Airline personnel extinguished the fire.
The bag contained an E-cigarette battery charger and spare lithium-ion batteries.
The floor of the aircraft bin was scorched and burned. The aircraft was taken out of
service for the day while the cleanup was completed and damage was assessed.
03/20/19 Delta Airlines Passenger Laptop
During passenger security screening at the TSA checkpoint, a passenger’s tablet
overheated and began to smoke. The tablet was removed from the screening area
by the Port Authority Police and is being held at the Port Authority Police Station. No
other damage or injuries were reported. The item was a Samsung Tablet.
03/19/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During flight, approximately :45 minutes prior to arrival into Cleveland, OH (CLE), a
passenger gave the Flight Attendant a cell phone battery charger with flashlight that
was hot and began to smoke. The device was placed in the on-board fire
containment bag.
03/12/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
In San Diego, CA (SAN), during baggage loading, a passenger’s checked bag was
found to be emitting smoke in the cargo bin. The bag was removed and extinguished
by Southwest Airlines personnel. The bag contained an E-cigarette battery charger
and spare lithium-ion batteries. Other bags and packages adjacent to the bag were
damaged. The aircraft was damaged and taken out of service.
03/08/19 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
In Chicago, IL (MDW), a passenger’s Li-ion Battery Power Bank (Capacity 8000 mAh
3.7V (29.6Wh)) began to smoking prior to pushback. The power bank removed and
given to Operations staff.
03/02/19 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
On a flight from Madrid, Spain, (MAD) to Newark, NJ (EWR), a passenger dropped
their cell phone and it started smoking. The cellphone was placed in a fire
containment bag and the smoke stopped.
03/01/19 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
At the sort center in Indianapolis, IN (IND), a package containing three laptop
computers was discovered to be overhearing and emitting smoke. The package was
held for FAA investigation.
02/28/19 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
As a passenger was boarding a flight with a lithium battery that started to smoke
during the boarding process. The investigation is ongoing.
02/27/19 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A cell phone connected to a battery pack caught fire on board flight. It was
extinguished and removed from the aircraft.
02/13/19 Skywest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Flight 3879, from New York, NY (LGA), to Houston, TX (IAH), while the aircraft was at
the gate prior to departure, a passenger’s bag in the overhead compartment was
emitting smoke. The bag was removed from the aircraft and extinguished. No
injuries reported.
01/28/19 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
While waiting to board flight 797 from Austin, TX (AUS) to Detroit, MI (DTW), a spare
battery in a passenger’s carry-on bag caught fire in the boarding bridge. A flight
attendant with a bottle of water extinguished the fire. The terminals of the batteries
were not protected.
01/11/19 Skywest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On Flight 3700 Tucson, AZ (TUS) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC), prior to takeoff, a
passenger notified the flight attendant that a battery pack/charger in his carry-on
bag was overheating. The flight attendant placed the device in water, then into a
containm
12/24/18 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flight 1673 from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) to San Juan, PR (SJU), at flight level
390, a battery pack in a passenger’s backpack over heated and began to emit smoke.
A fire extinguisher was used on the device and then it was place into a containment
bag. The flight returned to the gate to remove the device. There were no injuries or
damage reported.
12/15/18 Mesa Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During the baggage off-load of United Express/Mesa Airlines flight 6080, from
Houston, TX (IAH) to Detroit, MI (DTW) on December 15, 2018, a bag was found to
be emitting smoke. The bag was opened by the airport police to reveal a battery
charger with four batteries. The luggage was charred and the battery charger
appeared to be melted.
12/02/18 Asiana Airlines Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
At the cargo warehouse in Los Angeles, CA (LAX), after offloading and during
container breakdown, a cargo handler inadvertently punctured a box of undeclared
lithium-ion batteries with a forklift. Shortly after the box began to smoke. The fire
department responded and they extinguished the box. The investigation is ongoing.
11/24/18 Delta Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
During checked baggage screening at Logan Airport (BOS) Boston, MA, The TSA
discovered and e-cigarette was smoking inside of a passengers checked bag.
11/23/18 DHL Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
At the DHL sort facility in San Juan, PR (SJU), US Customs discovered a battery inside
of a package. Upon removal, it began to smoke and was isolated until it stopped
burning. No other damage was reported.
11/09/18 DHL Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
At the DHL sort facility in Erlanger, KY (CVG), a package containing 22 lithium-ion
batteries fell from a pallet and began to smoke. One damaged battery was removed
from the package. There was no noticeable damage to the other 21 batteries in the
package.
10/06/18 FEDEX N/A Cell Phone
During unloading of a container transport truck in Memphis, TN, 4 ULD's were found
to be damaged from fire. The ULD's contained various packages of cell phones,
watches and headphones, all with lithium batteries contained in equipment. The
investigation is ongoing.
09/25/18 FEDEX Cargo Medical Devices
At the FEDEX facility in Las Vegas, NV, a package containing a bladder scanner with a
54wh battery began to smoke and then catch fire during loading onto a delivery
truck, after air transportation.
09/03/18 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During passenger checked baggage screening at Las Vegas, NV (LAS), a passenger’s
bag began to smoke as it was on the screening belt. The bag contained an E-
cigarette and loose spare lithium batteries.
09/02/18 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During passenger boarding at Las Vegas, NV (LAS), a passenger’s bag began to smoke
as it was pushed under a seat. The bag contained a lithium battery installed in a
charging unit. The bag was removed from the aircraft.
08/31/18 N/A N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
During baggage screening at Las Vegas, NV (LAS), the TSA discovered a lithium
battery installed in a charging unit overheating and burning during security
screening. The battery terminals were not protected. The batteries and charger
were destroyed.
08/29/18 FEDEX Cargo Cell Phone
FEDEX personnel discovered a package at the sort center in Memphis, TN, that was
emitting smoke. The shipment was contained 180 boxes of used cell phones on a
pallet. A forklift blade punctured one box, damaging ten of the phones and
batteries, causing smoke and fire. The package removed from the shipment and
pending investigation.
08/28/18 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
FEDEX personnel discovered a package at the sort center in Memphis, TN, that was
emitting smoke. The shipment contained a laptop with a lithium-ion battery. The
package appeared to be crushed during transit. The package inspected and cleared
for disposal by the fire department.
08/16/18 N/A N/A Laptop
During baggage screening at Gulfport, MS (GPT), the TSA discovered a laptop battery
installed in a laptop overheating during screening. The battery was removed and
moments later, it began to emit smoke, at which time the battery was removed
from the building. No damage or injuries were reported.
08/02/18 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
FEDEX personnel discovered a package at the sort center in Indianapolis, Indiana
that was emitting smoke / smoldering. The shipment was offered to FEDEX in
Houston, TX (IAH) and was transported by air to Indianapolis. The package contained
a Dell laptop.
08/01/18 Skywest Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
During SkyWest Airline's flight 5654, from Helena, MT (HLN) to Salt Lake City, UT
(SLC) a passenger reported that her cellphone (an Apple iPhone 6) was emitting
smoke and generating heat. The passenger detected the smell of smoke and heat
from the phone,
07/30/18 UPS N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
UPS personnel discovered a package at the UPS Hong Kong facility to be emitting
smoke. The package contained 10 power banks weighing a total of approximately
five pounds. The investigation determined that only one of the power banks went
into thermal runaway and the other nine were not damaged. There were no
reported injuries or damage to the facility.
07/28/18 United Airlines N/A Other Device Types
During baggage check-in, United Airlines personnel informed a passenger that he
needed to remove the lithium-ion battery from his Smart Bag prior to acceptance.
While the passenger was attempting to remove the battery from the bag, it began to
arc and smoke. The passenger brought the bag outside of the terminal, removed the
contents and a fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the bag. The customer
obtained another bag and checked in for the flight. No injuries or further damage
was reported. The manufacturer was “Away Travel” (www.awaytravel.com). The bag
was 2 years old and was powered by a 37 WH battery.
07/25/18 FEDEX N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
During package transfer in Indianapolis, IN, (IND), a package containing one
undeclared lithium-ion battery was run over by a tug causing it to smoke and
smolder. The battery was for a Ring Doorbell, 3.65V, 6040 mAh, 22.04 Wh. The
package was placed in asalvage drum. There were no reported injuries to people or
damage to property.
07/23/18 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During cabin cleaning of a business class seat of a Boeing 767, a powered seat was
reclined and crushed a battery pack/power pack that was apparently dropped there
by a passenger on a previous flight. The battery pack caught fire and was
extinguished by maintenance personnel. The seat was removed and replaced. No
injuries or further damage was reported.
07/21/18 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During loading of flight 4695 from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) to Dallas, TX (DAL) a bag
was removed from a baggage cart and was found to be smoking and caught fire
prior to being loaded on the aircraft. The checked bag contained a portable battery
pack/power pack, which appeared to go into thermal runaway and burned the
smaller bag it was in, as well as the contents and the duffel bag itself. There was
nothing plugged into the unit and it was not protected in any way inside of the bag,
i.e., no protection against external short-circuiting. No injuries or other damage was
reported.
07/10/18 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package containing lithium-ion batteries was damaged during the sort process at
Memphis, TN sort facility, i.e., punctured during the sort process. Shortly after, it
began emitting smoke and was placed in a salvage drum. When an attempt was
made to identify the specific contents, the batteries were still arcing and it was
deemed unsafe to proceed with further inspection of the package.
06/24/18 Lufthansa Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Flight LH489 from San Jose, CA (SJC) to Frankfurt, Germany (FRA), was enroute when
a passenger’s power bank of a passenger suffered a thermal runaway and ignited.
Cabin crew quickly extinguished the flames, cooled the power bank down and
secured it while the flight crew continued the flight to Frankfurt, where the aircraft
landed on schedule.
06/22/18 DHL Cargo Cell Phone
Shipment seized by US Customs at DHL JFK gateway and found to contain 25
repaired cell phones. One of the handsets/phones had begun smoking and was
melted due to heat. Shipment had lithium battery handling label (UN3481) and
statement on air waybill "Lithium Ion Batteries in compliance with Section II of
PI967."
06/16/18 Emirates Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
"7050 loosely packaged used batteries from iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S,
iPhone 6S Plus, and Note 5, were shipped in a fiberboard boxes from Dallas, TX
(DFW) to Dubai, UAE (DXB) on Emirates flight 222 on June 14, 2018 and transferred
to flight 123 on 15 June , 2018 from DXB to Istanbul, Turkey (IST).
06/14/18 WestJet Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On WestJet flight 113 from Calgary, Canada (YYC) to Vancouver, Canada (YVR), a
passenger's checked bag containing 2 spare lithium-ion batteries in a non-powered
charging device caught fire in-flight. The crew received an aft cargo smoke indication
and discharged one cargo fire bottle, declared an emergency and returned to
Calgary, Canada. The suspect bag was the only bag damaged as it was isolated from
other baggage. No injuries or other damage were reported.
06/08/18 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package containing a shipment of 3.9v batteries fell from a cart, was run over and
caught on fire. The only damage was to the contents of the box.
05/21/18 UPS Cargo Other Device Types
A package containing a lithium-ion battery powered scooter caught fire at the UPS
facility in Carlisle, PA. The scooter was destroyed by the fire. No injuries or additional
damage was reported.
05/18/18 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flight 426 during taxi-out, a passenger was using a charger/power pack to charge
a cell phone. A pillow was on top of the device and the device began to overheat
and emit smoke. The device was put into a containment bag and the flight returned
to the gate. Investigation is ongoing.
05/11/18 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
In Cleveland, OH (CLE), a passenger’s portable charger/power bank overheated &
emitted a burning electrical odor as aircraft taxied to runway. The Flight Attendant
FA placed the device in a containment bag and the aircraft returned to the gate. CLE
Station Supervisor took possession of the containment bag and stored in DG cabinet.
05/10/18 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A gate checked bag for a passenger was discovered smoking in the connecting bag
staging area where it was stored in preparation for its connecting flight. The bag had
flown from Columbus, OH (CMH) to Atlanta, GA (ATL) on Delta flight 1646 and was
prepared to fly to LOS Angeles (LAX) on flight 54 when it was discovered. The bag
was not loaded on the connecting flight. Ten (10) loose lithium ion laptop computer
batteries where improperly packed in the bag with their terminals unprotected
resulting in two (2) of the batteries shorting out producing a dangerous evolution of
heat.
05/09/18 Allegiant Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Flight 318 from Los Angeles (LAX) to Springfield, MO (SGF) returned to the gate at
LAX due to a vape device inside of a passengers carry-on bag caught fire. The bag
was burned as well as the carpet of the aircraft. A fire extinguisher was used to put
the fire out. No injuries were reported.
05/05/18 Delta Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A Vape Pen that appears to have gone into Thermal Runaway while at San Diego
International Airport. No additional info at this time.
04/27/18 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A checked bag in the baggage sort room was emitting smoke. It contained four 3.7v
lithium-ion batteries in a charging device. One or more of the batteries went into
thermal runaway and burned the bag significantly. The spare batteries were for a
vape device/E-cigarette.
04/19/18 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
At Kansas City, KS (MCI) airport, a checked bag caught fire in the baggage sort room
after being place on the outbound baggage belt. Bag room personnel extinguished
the fire. The bag contained a battery-charging device with lithium ion batteries
inserted.
04/10/18 Delta Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
On flight 2981, from Seattle, WA (SEA) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC), during approach a
passenger’s iPhone 6S started to spark/smoke. The phone was not charging, the
passenger was playing on phone. IPhone 6s started to spark/smoke he took it to the
Flight Attendants in the back. During the process, the customer burned his hand. He
refused medical attention. Flight Attendants placed in fire containment bag with
water and then in lavatory sink. The phone was returned to the customer. No
injuries to crew.
04/07/18 United Airlines Passenger Laptop
On flight 90, from Newark, NJ (EWR) to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), a passengers’ iPad
became wedged in their seat, became very hot and began to emit smoke. It was
placed in a containment bag. No injuries or damage were reported.
04/04/18 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
A passenger spilled water on a laptop causing it to smoke and overheat. Flight
attendant placed laptop in a containment bag. No injuries or damage to the aircraft
were reported.
03/17/18 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flight 1506 from Houston, TX (IAH) to Havana, Cuba (HAV), a customer’s power
pack in his backpack overheated, exploded and caught fire. The passenger threw it
into the aisle where it was extinguished and then then placed into a containment
bag by the flight attendant. No injuries or damage were reported.
03/12/18 Delta Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
On flight 40 from Sydney, Australia (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX), a passenger's phone
became wedged in his seat and began to smoke. The passenger was moved to
another seat while the flight attendant removed the phone and placed it in a
containment bag. The flight landed without incident. No injuries or damage
reported.
03/12/18 Skywest Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
While loading baggage on SkyWest flight 4449 in Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) the ground
crew smelled a burning electrical smell and notified the pilot and the Tower. The
pilot had all of the baggage removed from the aircraft and identified source to a
piece of checked baggage. The bag was opened and one of two pairs of Lithium-ion
battery heated socks, which had burned, were discovered. The investigation
revealed that the socks have a slide switch, which allows the unit to be on High or
Low, and if the switch is in the middle, it is OFF. No guard or safety switch to prevent
accidental activation. There were two (2) pairs of socks. Each sock has its own
battery, for a total of four batteries. One of the batteries was either in the ON
position or had a runaway. The switch position cannot be determined on the burned
battery. The next battery was melted to the first battery and the sock material. That
battery was in the OFF position. The last two batteries were not affected. The brand
of the socks is: Flambeau www.flambeauoutdoors.com USA/Canada and Europe
15981 Valplast Road Middlefield, OH 44062 1-800-232- 3474 Battery Info: Freerein
3.7V Li-ion battery System Model Number FR05, Ref: 2400mAh Input 5V-650mA
Output High 5V-1A Low 4.5V – 1A
03/01/18 Allegiant Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A bag began to emit smoke and catch fire after being place on the carousel in
baggage claim at Harrisburg, PA (MDT). Emergency services were dispatched. A
passenger realized it was his suitcase and removed the bag from the carousel and
took it outside of the terminal, where the flames burned out. The cause of the fire
appeared to be from three lithium batteries, as they were still smoldering when
emergency services arrived on scene. The passenger indicated the batteries were
Samsung rechargeable batteries used for his vape device.
02/14/18 FEDEX Cargo Cell Phone
A package containing a cell phone was seen emitting smoke while on the conveyor
system at the Memphis sort facility. The fiberboard box was punctured by the sort
system and appears to have damaged the phone causing it to go into thermal
runaway.
02/13/18 Skywest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During boarding a power bank began to smoke while sitting in the passenger's jacket
pocket, which had been placed in the empty seat next to his. The power bank was
charged the night before the flight and never had other devices attached to it. The
passenger stated the power bank was the only item inside his jacket pocket. There
were no flames associated with the overheating battery.
02/03/18 Frontier Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
Flight 1883, en route from Orlando, FL (MCO) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX), reported smoke
in the cabin. The flight diverted to Tampa, FL (TPA) where it landed without incident.
A passenger’s cell phone and power pack was smoking and the case was hot and
disfigured. The passenger threw the phone into the aisle and another passenger
picked it up and brought it to the lavatory and placed it in the sink and ran water
over it then covered it in ice. Upon arrival at the gate, the fire department removed
the faulty cell phone and its associated defective charger.
After the incident, follow-up interviews with Flight Attendants indicated no fire
occurred, only smoke. In addition, follow up correspondence/reports from the
Tampa Bay Fire Rescue, indicated 3 individuals were attended to, 2 with minor
burns, 1 with respiratory issue. Some reports of nausea and headaches by others. No
damage to the aircraft was reported.
01/30/18 N/A N/A e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A lithium battery in a vaping/e-cigarette device exploded in a passenger's carry-on
bag during x-ray screening at the Denver, CO (DEN) south Security Screening
Checkpoint. The checkpoint was evacuated by TSA. No injuries reported.
01/30/18 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package containing three batteries was reported as burned prior to loading at the
sort facility in Memphis, TN. Fire Services responded and extinguished the fire.
Damage was limited to the package and its contents.
01/14/18 Alaska Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
During flight, the passenger at Seat 6F notified the flight crew that while his cell
phone was plugged into the USB outlet, it became very warm and started bulging.
The device was not on fire or smoking; however, flight crew put the device in the
Battery Containment Bag (BCB) and secured the BCB in the Aft Lav. The crew
reported the outlet as being loose/broken to maintenance and it was replaced. It
was not determined if the outlet was the cause of the overheating of the cell phone.
01/14/18 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger on flight 558 operating from Portland, OR (PDX) to Chicago, IL (ORD)
had a battery/power pack that was overheating, got hot and started to smoke. The
item was placed in a thermal containment bag. No further information available.
01/03/18 Delta Airlines Passenger Laptop
At CVG (Cincinnati, OH) a passenger inadvertently dropped a laptop at the security
checkpoint. After they arrived at their departure gate the laptop was emitting smoke
and it was becoming excessively hot The passenger removed the battery from the
12/30/17 United Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
At BOS (Boston, MA) a bag on the arriving baggage carousel began to burn. The
contents were removed and an e-cigarette was found to be the cause.
12/22/17 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
At SDF, (Louisville, KY) a package containing solar bank chargers with lithium ion
batteries, UN 3480, installed was discovered on fire during the loading process.
12/20/17 ABX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
At SEA (Seattle, WA) a package containing 120 suspected Lithium Ion batteries for
Vape devices was discovered by DHL employees to be emitting a burning smell. The
shipment was tendered in a fiberboard box that had a lithium battery handling label
affixed to the. The box was removed from commerce, opened by DHL, and
subsequently opened. Numerous battery were found to be damaged or charred. It is
not clear when or where the incident occurred as it was discovered after two flights
at its final destination airport. After further investigation it was determined that one
battery in the box had gone into thermal runaway and the packaging of the other
batteries was charred.
12/16/17 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
On flight 121 from BCN (Barcelona, Spain) to EWR (Newark, NJ) a passenger’s iPhone
fell into his seat and was subsequently crushed when the seat was electronically
reclined. The phone caught fire and was then retrieved and placed in a containment
bag. The flight proceeded to EWR without further incident.
11/30/17 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
At the Memphis sort facility a package containing an unknown item containing
rechargeable lithium batteries was hung up, dragged by a conveyor belt system, and
caught fire. The units inside the package were severely damage.
11/30/17 Alaska Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger on flight 827 from OAK (Oakland, CA) to HNL (Honolulu, HI) ran off the
aircraft during the boarding process and dumped her purse in the boarding bridge
because a hole had burned through it. The Captain assisted her in putting out the
fire and found her e-cigarette had caught fire. The captain removed the lithium
battery from the unit and asked if she had any spares. The passenger said she had
one more in her carry-on and two more in her checked bag. The captain ordered
them removed from the checked bag and the carry-on. The batteries were turned
over to the Alaska Airlines manager on duty. The aircraft departed without any
further incident
11/10/17 N/A N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
While in line at the TSA checkpoint a passenger’s backpack started emitting smoke.
The passenger put the bag on the floor and removed a camera bag with the
smoldering device inside of it. A lithium polymer 2500 mAH battery was inside the
camera bag.
10/23/17 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Flight 766 (B737-800), routing PHX-SDF, returned to gate after a power pack in a
passenger bag began to smoke. The power pack was placed in a containment bag.
The containment bag was removed from the aircraft and given to the airline
manager on duty. The aircraft departed PHX without further incident. The power
pack was being charged in the gate area prior to the passenger boarding the aircraft.
After further inspection, the device had visible signs of overheating and melted
plastic.
10/04/17 Virgin America Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Flight 1260 LAS (Las Vegas, NV) to JFK (New York, NY) reported that an e-cig spare
battery in a backpack began smoking in the cabin in flight. The crew placed the E-
cigarette in a fire containment bag and the battery extinguished.
10/02/17 UPS Cargo Cell Phone
A package containing several iPhones fell out of a container and was subsequently
run over and caused one or more of the lithium-ion batteries to go into thermal
runaway. The phones appeared to be packaged and prepared properly for air
transportation.
09/28/17 Skywest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During the boarding process of flight 5433 from DEN (Denver, CO) to CLT (Charlotte,
NC) a passenger’s carry-on bag containing four lithium-ion batteries in a charging
unit caught fire on the boarding bridge. The fire department responded and
extinguished
09/08/17 Delta Airlines Passenger Laptop
Flight 2178 from Detroit-Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(PHL), was taxiing on the ground in DTW when a passenger's laptop began smoking,
releasing an unknown material into the air. The aircraft returned to the gate where
the device was removed. The passenger remained on board and continued with the
flight. The subsequent investigation revealed that the computer was not holding a
charge very well and boarding the aircraft, the passenger plugged in the computer.
As they began to taxi away from the gate, the laptop computer was placed on top of
the laptop bag that was on the floor, but left it plugged-in.
Soon after taxi-out, a white haze and electrical smell was detected and flight
attendants required Vera to unplug her laptop and have it removed from the
aircraft.
09/08/17 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
A package containing UN 3090 Lithium Metal Batteries, was emitting flames/sparks
as it was sitting on a conveyor belt. The package was quarantined pending further
investigation.
09/01/17 Southwest Airlines N/A Laptop
A checked bag fell off a bag cart in CMH (Columbus, OH) and subsequently dragged
by the bag cart while in route to the baggage claim area. Upon arrival at the baggage
claim area, a laptop in the bag exploded and the bag began to burn. The fire was
extinguished.
08/21/17 American Airlines N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger’s checked bag was found to be emitting smoke as it came down the
baggage belt at LAX (Los Angeles, CA). Upon opening the bag it was determined that
spare li-ion batteries for an e-cigarette inside of a charging unit were the source of
the smoke.
08/21/17 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Flight 296 Shanghai to Tokyo (PVG -NRT), during cruise at FL370, a flight attendant
notified the pilot that there was a fire in the mid cabin and that the cabin was filled
with smoke. A battery charger device was found to be the source of the smoke and
it was secured in the battery containment bag. Flight continued to NRT without
further incident. No injuries to customers or crew.
08/18/17 UPS Cargo Cell Phone
A package was found to be warm to the touch and smelling of smoke. Inside the
package was 20 cell phones, all packaged individually in the manufacturer's box with
a battery and other accessories. When the package was opened, UPS personnel
discovered a battery for 1 of 20 cell phones had heated to the point of charring the
packaging and had began to burn two other cell phone boxes.
07/28/17 Skywest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
SkyWest Airlines reported that an E-cigarette spare battery overheated onboard a
flight from SLC-LAX. The passenger had three spare Lithium Ion batteries in his carry
on along with his e-cigarette. One of the spare batteries started smoking and the
passenger alerted the Flight Attendant. The Flight Attendant placed the smoking
battery into an ice bucket ice and water. The battery was placed into a fire bag and
the flight continued on to LAX without further incident.
07/27/17 Sun Country Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger's portable charging device (Lithium Ion Battery) began to smoke on a
flight from MSP (Minneapolis, MN) to LAX (Los Angeles, CA). The incident occurred
an estimated 35 minutes from LAX. No reported injuries. A burning smell was
detected but there was no reported fire
07/22/17 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
United Airlines Flight 1536, while taxiing to the gate after landing from San
Francisco, California to (SFO) to Jackson, Wyoming (JAC), declared an emergency due
to a lithium-ion battery related incident in the aircraft cabin. A sunglass case
containing a small spare lithium battery for a personal headlamp and a set of keys
began to smolder. The flight attendant put the battery in a container of ice which
stopped the smoldering of the battery.
07/22/17 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
The shipment was found in a FEDEX ULD emitting smoke. The box was removed
from the ULD, placed in a steel salvage drum & removed from the building. Upon
opening the unmarked, labeled box, several lithium ion battery chargers wrapped in
clothing were found. There are visible char markings on the chargers themselves and
the retail boxes they were in. Four of the chargers were left in the on position and
FEDEX personnel could not turn them to the off position. The FAA was notified, and
the freight was held pending an FAA inspection.
07/17/17 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On AALA flight 805 to CUN a passenger Thomas Owen's cell phone portable external
battery caught fire. The device was confiscated by the flight attendant and then
given to the fire department at the Philadelphia airport. No further information is
available for this event.
07/02/17 Allegiant Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On July 2, 2017, Allegiant Flight #1908 traveling from Destin, FL (VPS) to Oklahoma
City, OK (OKC) diverted into Dallas Fort-Worth Airport (DFW) at 2210CST due to a
lithium-ion battery related incident in the aircraft cabin. A passenger seated in 21E
had been charging an iPad to watch movies during flight with a “Vivitar” lithium-ion
battery powered charging station (power bank) when it began to emit a burning
electrical smell, smolder and become hot to the touch. The PAX alerted inflight
crewmembers to the situation. The Lead Flight Attendant obtained the device and
placed it into an ice bin, notified Flight Crew and continued to monitor its status. The
Flight Crew coordinated a diversion into the nearest most suitable airport to get the
airplane on the ground for removal of unit. At no point during the remainder of the
flight, did the power banks condition begin to escalate or catch on fire. Dallas-Fort
Worth ARFF boarded the aircraft after landing, took the item into their possession
and interviewed the owner of the power bank
06/22/17 Air France Passenger Laptop
Air France reported flight 090 / 22JUN was on decent to Miami International Airport
when cockpit crew reported smoke. Cockpit crew declared an emergency and the
aircraft landed safely. Fire Department boarded the aircraft while all passengers
were still onboard and removed an I-pad from seat 5E. Passenger/Owner of I-PAD
seated in 5E stated that the I Pad slipped through the left side of the seat and was
06/03/17 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Flight 6008 from Long Beach (LGB) to Denver (DEN) an E-cigarette battery starting
smoking while not in use, the battery was being carried in the clothing (pocket) of a
passenger. The device was a Aspire e-cigarette, batteries (labeled MXJO 3000mAh
3.7V IMR 18650). Investigation is ongoing.
06/02/17 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flight 2323 from Tampa (TPA) to Atlanta (ATL) during the cargo loading process a
bag was emitting smoke. Two li-ion batteries were removed from the bag. One of
the batteries had shorted and the wire in the bag was smoldering. No injuries were
reported.
05/30/17 JetBlue Airways Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flt 915 from New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) a battery in a passenger's
backpack overheated and caused the backpack to melt and burn a hole in the side of
it. The flight diverted to Grand Rapids (GRR). The fire department responded and
took possession of the battery which is a LG HG2 18650. No injuries were reported.
05/30/17 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
On flight 1519 from Baltimore (BWI) to Fort Meyers (RSW) a li-ion battery in a
passenger's carry-on bag overheated. The passenger gave the battery to the flight
attendant and it was placed in a containment bag and cooled with water. The
unprotected battery was inside of a smaller bag which also contained jewelry and
was charred.
05/25/17 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
While flight DL1476 from Detroit (DTW) to Minneapolis (MSP) was taxiing out at
DTW a lithium-ion power pack issued to a crew member overheated. The battery
was a Power Core+ 26800 manufactured by Anker Technology Co. Limited. The
battery capacity was marked as 96.48Wh. The model number was A1372. A
containment bag was used and water poured on device. No fire extinguishers used.
Aircraft returned to gate and off-loaded device and bag and departed again. No
injuries to passengers or crew.
05/14/17 N/A N/A e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Information, including video footage, from the Seattle Airport Authority and witness
statements show an individual's E-cigarette exploding, resulting in burning of his
shirt and backpack. An investigation of this incident is ongoing.
05/08/17 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
At the San Francisco (SFO) airport, during security screening TSA discovered a
battery pack in a customers bag that had overheated. The unit expanded so much
that it opened. It was removed from the customer's bag and held at the SFO airport.
05/02/17 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
A shipment of 13 boxes of laptops in a cargo facility was inadvertently bumped
resulting in one box falling to the ground. Upon impact, the box began to smoke and
apparently produced a dangerous evolution of heat. The box and the laptop inside
were charred and partially melted. The box contained a laptop computer with a 94
watt-hour lithium-ion battery installed in it.
04/19/17 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Passenger on Southwest flight number 4639 from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
(MDW) reported to a flight attendant that there was smoke coming from her purse.
Passenger was carrying an e-cigarette/vaping device. The flight attendant put the e-
cigarette/vaping device. The flight attendant put the e- cigarette/vaping device and
two spare lithium ion batteries into a fire safe bag to extinguish the smoke.
04/13/17 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
FEDEX reported that a shipment containing lithium batteries was inadvertently
dragged by a dolly until its contents exploded. Investigation is ongoing.
04/11/17 Frontier Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
While transferring bags at Raleigh Durham, NC (RDU) a ramp employee noticed
smoke coming from a bag. It was found to be lithium ion battery in a camera.
04/09/17 N/A N/A e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger was at Hudson News convenience store, near gate "D" in LAS airport
prior to boarding a flight. Left front pocket exploded and fire erupted. Passenger was
burned and hospitalized with burns to his left thigh and left hand.
04/09/17 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger traveling on Southwest Airlines on Flight 1746 from Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) presented a smoking battery charger to flight attendants
(F/A). The F/A prepared a containment bag with cans of water and placed the device
within.
04/04/17 ExpressJet Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A gate checked bag containing two rechargeable drill batteries shorted or arced
during the loading of ExpressJet (ASOA) flight number 4077 dba United Express (CLE-
IAH). According to preliminary information, a gate checked carry-on suitcase
contained the t
03/30/17 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
On Southwest flt 1761 from Columbus, OH (CMH)-Ft Lauderdale, FL (FLL), prior to
landing at Ft. Lauderdale, a passenger informed a flight attendant that their
computer was smoking, smelled like burning plastic and was extremely hot to the
touch. The passenger stated that they spilled a drink on the laptop earlier in the
flight. There were no visible flames, explosion, charring, or melting of the laptop.
The Flight Attendant took the laptop to aft galley and utilized the halon extinguisher
followed by cans of water for cooling.
02/27/17 American Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
On AA Flight 133 from JFK to LAX a passenger seated in the first class cabin was
charging an iPhone and the battery overheated. The flight attendant placed the
device in a coffee pot. No diversion required, no aircraft damage and the only injury
was to the passengers hand.
02/19/17 Air China Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
An Air China Airbus A330-200 (flight 165) on a flight from Beijing (China) to
Melbourne, VI (Australia), was approximately 2 hours into the flight when the noise
cancelling headphones of a sleeping passenger started to overheat. The passenger
was awakened by the heat of the headphones on her face. The headphones slid
down around her neck and caused minor burns to her face and neck. The
headphones were getting hotter and when they began sparkling and melting, she
threw the headphones onto the cabin floor. Cabin crew poured water over the
headset cooling the device down. The headset was subsequently put into a safe
container. The aircraft continued the flight to Melbourne for a safe landing
approximately 10 hours later.
02/18/17 Spring Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A Spring Airlines Airbus A320-200, flight 9C-8617 from Harbin (China) to Nagoya
(Japan), was en route at FL340 about 50nm east/northeast of Shenyang (China)
when passengers observed a fire in one of the overhead bins. Cabin crew discharged
fire extinguishers into the overhead bin and submerged a passenger’s charger
(power bank) and smartphone , which had caught fire, into a water container. The
flight crew initiated a diversion into Shenyang, where the aircraft landed safely
about 23 minutes later. Emergency services were not called as the cabin crew had
brought the situation fully under control by cooling down the charger/batteries.
02/04/17 American Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
American Airlines Ground crew at Dallas Fort Worth, TX noticed smoke coming from
a freight cart. DFW Fire Rescue called and extinguished the fire. US Postal Inspectors
are investigating as it was contained in US Mail. Item has been reported as a
Samsung phone (not confirmed, unknown model or version). No damage to the
aircraft or injuries reported.
01/22/17 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During flight a passenger gave a lithium-ion battery pack/charger to the flight
attendant stating that it was smoking and very hot. The flight attendant submerged
the unit in ice water to cool it down. The flight continued without any further
incident.
01/16/17 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During the flight a passenger brought a battery charger to the galley that had over
heated and began to smoke. The charge continued smoking, even after a Halon fire
extinguisher had been deployed and depleted. Water was then poured into a
containment bag with the charger submerged in the bag.
01/15/17 Delta Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
A passenger’s iPhone 7 broke as it became wedged in the seat while he was
attempting to bring the seat to an upright position, the phone began emitting white
smoke. The passenger threw the phone in the isle and the lead flight attendant
poured water over it while a containment bag was retrieved.
01/14/17 N/A N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
A portable rechargeable cell phone battery pack contained inside a carry-on bag
(backpack) was observed emitting smoke at security checkpoint. Authorities
reported the bag contained multiple cell phones and batteries packs. There was
extensive smoke and heat damage to the backpack.
12/15/16 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
American Airlines flight 1129, which was en route from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX to
Indianapolis IN, diverted to Little Rock, AR, after a passenger observed that his e-
cigarette had overheated and was emitting smoke. The cabin crew used fire
extinguishers to extinguish the e-cigarette.
12/11/16 Southwest Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
Southwest Airlines flight 3637 from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) to Dallas, TX (DAL)
diverted to New Orleans, LA (MSY) due to a lithium battery charging device melting
and emitting a burning electrical odor. Flight attendant noticed a burning/electrical
smell in the cabin. The passenger sitting in 1C advised that she believes it to be her
battery charger. The flight attendant took the device to the forward galley to
monitor. Once the aircraft landed in MSY the crew gave the device to local station
personnel for quarantine.
12/03/16 Delta Airlines Passenger Laptop
While en route from Honolulu, HI to Atlanta, GA a fire was discovered in an
overhead bin near seat 3J. The crew extinguished the flames, which were coming
from a laptop. Three halon type fire extinguishers and two water type fire
extinguishers were used.
11/27/16 Alaska Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
ASAA flight 850, from Kona, HI to Seattle, WA diverted to Honolulu, HI as a
precautionary measure due to a company issued battery powered mobile Point of
Sale (POS) device and iPhone 6 that experienced excessive heating. The inflight
mobile POS device was exposed to a liquid hand sanitizer in the galley compartment.
The device would not turn on and the flight attendant (F/A) reported the device was
hot and continued to get hotter. The F/A placed the device in a thermal battery
containment bag. The flight did not declare an emergency but requested that the
fire department meet the flight when it arrived and take possession of the
containment bag. The iPhone and battery powered POS device showed no visible
signs of excessive heating or thermal runaway.
11/05/16 N/A N/A Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger's backpack containing an e-cigarette battery installed in charger
experienced thermal runaway, emitted smoked and caught fire in the food court
area of Seattle international Airport (SEA).
10/30/16 Alaska Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
At Ketchikan, AK (KTN) airport, during boarding of Alaska Airlines flight 67, a
passenger's backpack containing an e-cigarette caught fire. The passenger dumped
contents on the floor and crew used fire extinguishers to put out the fire. No injuries
reported. Scorch marks to carpet of the aircraft were the result of the fire.
10/23/16 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Ramp personnel observed smoke emitting from a passenger’s bag while loading
baggage on flight 1712. Ramp personnel pulled and opened the bag and called
Seattle FD. They responded and applied approximately 4 gallons of water on the
bag. It was determined to contain two (2) Lithium Batteries of undetermined size,
which experienced thermal runaway while connected to a charger inside a
passenger’s checked bag.
09/24/16 Delta Airlines Passenger Laptop
Flight 138 en route from Detroit, MI to Amsterdam (Netherlands) was about 60nm
east of Manchester (UK) when the crew reported smoke in the cabin. The aircraft
diverted to Manchester, UK. Maintenance crews located a Samsung tablet
computer, which suffered a thermal runaway, stuck beneath a seat. It is presumed
the tablet was lost by a passenger on the previous sectors flown by the aircraft.
09/23/16 Indigo Passenger Cell Phone
An Indigo Airbus performing flight from Singapore to Chennai (India) was descending
towards Chennai when a passenger noticed smoke coming from the overhead bin
near seat row 23. Cabin crew extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher and
doused the phone with water before isolating it in a container. The crew identified a
Galaxy Note 2 smartphone had overheated. The aircraft landed safely at Chennai.
India's DGCA confirmed a smartphone Lithium Battery had suffered a thermal
runaway. The occurrence is being investigated.
09/07/16 N/A N/A e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
As a passenger was entering the baggage claim area of DAL airport an E-cigarette in
her purse exploded and burned the purse, some of its contents and charred her
shirt. Witnesses stated there were small projectiles, which were on fire exiting her
purse. They were extinguished by people standing at the baggage claim area waiting
for their bags.
09/03/16 Spirit Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Spirit Airline employee was sorting bags and noticed one bag was smoking. The
employee made immediate notification to his management, who in turn notified
Denver Police (DPD) and TSA. DPD was in the area and first to respond and
determined it was an e-cig
08/22/16 SkyMark Passenger Cell Phone
A rechargeable battery of a smartphone in a carry-on baggage located under the
seat of a passenger of flight Skymark SKY/BC732 from New Chitose to
Tokyo/Haneda, operated by a Boeing 737-86N, ignited and smoked just after take-
off at 00:19 JST. The fire was immediately extinguished by the cabin crew. Two crew
members suffered minor burn on their right arm or left hand fingers.
08/13/16 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
UAL1102, B739, EWR-SJU, reported a fire on board when a checked bag in the cargo
hold area caught fire. Aircraft landed on runway 22L at SJU where the fire
department responded and the cargo hold fire bottle was deployed. Taxied to the
ramp with all passengers on board. 8/13 1702z. This was originally reported as an E-
cigarette but it was determined to be 2 re-chargeable li-ion batteries in their
charging unit.
08/05/16 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger’s personal lithium battery charging device caught fire prior to takeoff
(during pushback) in a seat pocket DL flight 949 in Newark, NJ (EWR) destined to
Detroit MI (DTW). The device was taken by a passenger to the aft lavatory sink to
extinguish. Subsequently, the aft lavatory smoke detector activated and alerted the
crew. The device was removed from the aircraft and the EWR Hazardous Materials
Field Office is further investigating. Preliminary indications reveal the device is
described as a “Pink Moon Portable Power Charger”. The flight was delayed 34
minutes with no damage to the aircraft/aft lavatory. There was discoloration of the
seat pocket due to the heat generated from the device.
08/02/16 Southwest Airlines Passenger Laptop
At MDW airport during boarding a passenger carrying a backpack advised a flt
attendant that the bag was smoking. The bag was removed from the aircraft and the
Chicago Fire Department responded, extinguished the fire and determined that the
tablet, RCA Model RCT6773W22 powered by a 7.5 watt hour battery overheated in
the passenger’s backpack.
07/21/16 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
FEDEX reported that a package was found smoking in the sort facility in Memphis,
TN. The package was removed from the sort, and once removed it burst into flames.
The fire was extinguished, and no injuries or damage was reported. The shipper is
from the Santo Domingo and the package was being shipped to Calf. The paperwork
for the shipment reflected spare cell phone parts. FDEA reported that the package
contain several lithium ion batteries. The package was heavily damaged, so it was
unknown if a handling label was on the package
07/15/16 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
AA flt from DTW-DFW diverted to Wichita Falls, TX due to a li-ion battery/power
pack emitting fumes suspected of entering thermal runaway.
07/06/16 United Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
Passenger's cell phone battery exploded in flight. Fire extinguished by crew.
06/17/16 American Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passenger's checked bag containing an E-cigarette, charger and two spare 3.7 volt
lithium ion batteries was smoking as it was offloaded from an American Airlines
flight in Chicago, IL. Fire was extinguished with water.
06/16/16 Alaska Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
Passenger had checked a bag, which contained a lithium battery powered vaporizer
with batteries installed as well as a charger attached to a spare battery. Flammable
aerosol hairsprays and other toiletries were also contained within the bag. During
screening, a TSA agent noticed the passenger’s bag smoking and extinguished the
fire. The Port of Seattle Fire department responded, ensured the fire was completely
extinguished, and determined the spare lithium battery in the checked bag was the
cause.
06/14/16 Spirit Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
During boarding a passenger was carrying a backpack when another passenger
noticed the fire. The plane was offloaded immediately. The DEN Fire Department
responded, extinguished the fire and determined the e-cigarette in the carry-on bag
(backpack) was the cause. The aircraft was cleared, cleaned and put back in service.
The passenger chose to take the remains of the backpack with him.
06/10/16 Spirit Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Flt 765 from San Jose Costa Rica to Fort Lauderdale, E-cigarette began to smoke in a
passengers backpack on seat. Fire extinguished with a fire extinguisher and then the
E-cigarette was submerged in water. Flight continued and landed in FLL without
further issues.
05/15/16 Quantas Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported about two hours prior to
estimated landing in Dallas Ft. Worth a passenger alerted cabin crew to smoke in the
cabin, the flight attendants started their basic fire drill, two flight attendants
proceeded to the source of the smoke with fire extinguishers, the service manager
alerted flight crew and all cabin crew to the presence of smoke. The source of smoke
was located at seat 19F in Zone F at the upper deck. The crew removed the seat
cushions and covers from seat 19F, while the cabin manager switched off all electric
supplies to the center column of seats. After further dismantling of the seat cabin
crew found a crushed personal electronic device (PED) wedged tightly into the seat's
mechanism and assessed the PED contained a Lithium battery. The battery, at that
time, was no longer emitting smoke; however a strong acrid smell remained in the
cabin. The crew maneuvered the seat and freed the PED, then put the PED into a jug
of water, which was further put into a metal box and was being monitored for the
remainder of the flight.
05/06/16 V Air Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A V Air Airbus A321-200, registration B-22610 performing flight ZV-252 from Taipei
(Taiwan) to Tokyo Haneda (Japan) with 161 people on board, had just reached cruise
level 350 about 150nm northeast of Taipei when smoke emanated from a battery
carried by a passenger prompting the crew to return to Taipei where the aircraft
landed safely on runway 23L about 30 minutes later. Taiwan's ASC reported the
smoke was caused by a non-genuine power bank carried by a passenger in the carry-
on luggage that burned out. The ASC opened an investigation into the occurrence
and dispatched investigators on site. Taiwan's Civil Aviation Authority reported the
power bank was a lithium type power bank made in China. Cabin crew quickly
cooled the battery down and put it into a bucket of cold water to prevent a further
overheating.
04/03/16 Kalitta Air Cargo Other Device Types
1 box of 43 boxes in Cargo shipment of atomization devices w/ lit-ion batteries
began to smoke during loading- entire shipment was removed from aircraft and
brought to cargo warehouse. Fire department was called and submerged them in
water. Many of the devices had lights on them indicating they were "on".
03/20/16 Passenger Cell Phone
Passengers phone began to burn in flight from SEA-HNL
03/17/16 Alaska Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
AS flt 807-Passenger's cell phone caught fire in flt. Extinguished by flt attendant.
Originally reported as E-cigarette.
03/16/16 Delta Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
DL flt 689- E-cigarette in passenger's carry-on caught fire during boarding process.
Fire extinguished by flt attendant.
02/13/16 Korean Air Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Passenger smelled smoke and alerted the flt attendant, who discharged a fire
extinguisher on the seat where the smoke/smell was coming from. Camera battery
charger was lodged between 2 seats and appeared to have overheated.
01/12/16 Hawaiian Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Hawaiian Airlines (HALA) flight 226 from Honolulu (HNL) to Maui (OGG) received an
aft Cargo Fire Warning while inflight above the island of Lanai. Both fire extinguisher
bottles were discharged at intervals and the aircraft landed in OGG without further
incident. After the passengers deplaned, the aft cargo door was opened to discover
two burnt suitcases. The source came from a soft sided duffel bag, which contained
an e-cigarette (e-cig) powered by two batteries. Additional fire damage occurred to
a hard sided wheeled bag. Hawaiian Airlines Director of Flight Safety, the Maui
Police Department, and the FAA (HNL) Hazmat Agents conducted investigations. It
was noted that the clean appearance of the inside of the battery compartment and
the charred exterior indicated that the E-cigarette was activated and heated up until
it dried out the cotton in it and ignited. The box style E-cigarette is believed to be an
“unregulated” style, meaning it does not contain a computer chip that regulates the
battery output. This style typically does not contain any safety features to prevent
accidental activation. Further investigation is ongoing.
01/08/16 American Airlines Passenger Laptop
American Airlines flight 1647 from Miami, FL to Mexico City, Mexico reported that a
customer’s Apple laptop computer went into thermal runaway 1 hour after
departure from MIA. The laptop was plugged into a power port and became very
hot. There was the presence of a strong smell of plastic in the cabin. The laptop was
taken from the customer and placed in the galley in a container. It never caught fire.
Upon landing in Mexico City, the laptop was given back to the customer.
01/06/16 DHL Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
This shipment was discovered emitting smoke while loaded in a container of freight
at DHL express JFK gateway , cargo bldg. 263, JFK intl airport, Jamaica NY 11430 on
1/6/2016 at 3:05 am. The package was removed from the container and from the
area and opened for investigation. Inside the package, 9 vape machines were found,
one of which experienced an internal issue (heat release) and began to smoke. The
shipment did not catch fire. The shipment was moved outside to a safe location
where it was cordoned off. Disposal arrangements will be made. This shipment was
tendered under the iata pi967 section ii exception according to the statement on the
airwaybill. Transportation via air was confirmed.
12/27/15 JetBlue Airways Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A passenger’s carry-on bag on a JetBlue flight departing San Juan, PR airport caught
fire at the gate while boarding. The flight was deplaned and the fire was
extinguished, no injuries or fatalities. Actual cause of fire was one of a total of two
(2) 9 watt lithium ion batteries with unprotected terminals loosely placed within a
small metal box that also contained an e-cigarette (vaporizer) and other non-
hazardous items. It was apparent that the lithium ion battery experienced a thermal
runaway.
10/12/15 Delta Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
DL flight 304, from Montego Bay, Jamaica to Atlanta, GA received a cargo fire
warning as it was preparing for takeoff. The flight crew aborted takeoff and
activated the cargo compartment fire suppression system and evacuated passengers
via emergency slides. 7 bags were found to have fire damage, one bag contained an
e-cigarette, which overheated and caused the burning.
10/12/15 Alaska Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
Alaska airlines flight 17 from Newark, NJ- Seattle, Washington diverted to Buffalo,
NY when a Point of sale device/credit card reader, an iPhone 6+ inserted into a
GuestLogix XPDA-IP6 (“sleeve”) , which is powered by a 3.7V 3100 mAh (11.507 Wh)
li-ion battery overheated and began to burn. Flight attendant extinguished it with a
fire extinguisher.
09/28/15 Mesa Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Mesa flight 5092, from Washington Dulles-Greenville Spartanburg, SC, declared an
emergency at the gate due to smoke in the cabin. Passengers evacuated at gate. Fire
department extinguished a passenger carry-on bag. It contained jewelry, a kindle,
numerous battery chargers and 1 lithium-ion battery for an E-cigarette. Battery was
burnt beyond recognition.
09/24/15 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
United flight 925 from London Heathrow – Washington Dulles, VA, the passenger in
seat 29K had a Battery Pack incident in flight. A 5600mAh battery pack overheated
and began to emit smoke, but there was no fire. The device was placed in water and
cooled, no injury or damage were reported.
09/15/15 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
The Pittsburgh, PA airport fire department responded to a report of a burning
package, which was determined to be a USPS package transported from an
unknown flight to the cargo facility by a Worldwide cargo runner. Significant burning
and damage to the contents, which included numerous li-ion battery packs each
containing 4 cells.
07/10/15 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Smoke observed from package during sorting at Bangalore, India. No further
information available at this time.
06/17/15 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
During a Southwest flight from LAS-ALB a passenger stated he felt the e-cigarette in
his pants pocket pop and he leg began to burn. When he removed the E-cigarette
from his pocket he saw the battery shoot out of the device. The E-cigarette was
cracked and smoking. The crew submerged the battery and device in water. The
passenger had minor burns on his leg but refused medical attention upon arrival in
ALB.
06/10/15 Southwest Airlines Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
A passengers checked bag containing an E-cigarette and two spare 3.7 volt lithium
ion batteries was smoking as it was offloaded from a Southwest Airlines flight in
Albuquerque, NM. One of the batteries was not protected from short circuit causing
burning and smoke.
06/06/15 Mesa Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
After landing in Houston, TX (KIAH), Mesa flight 4001 was being unloaded when a
ramp agent observed smoke coming from a checked bag in the forward cargo bin.
The agent removed the bag from the loading belt and sprayed it with a fire
extinguisher. The IAH fire department responded and took control of the bag. The
bag contained professional camera equipment with lithium-ion batteries. According
to preliminary information the camera bag was initially brought aboard as a carry-
on, but was allegedly checked at the gate because the flight attendant advised that
there was no room in the passenger cabin. Preliminary reports also indicate that the
passenger made the flight attendant aware of the contents of the bag.
05/06/15 Polar Air Cargo Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
During offload of the aircraft at Leipzig, Germany, onto the belt loader one (1) of
eighty (80) packages from a single shipment containing lithium batteries began to
smoke. The Fire Brigade extinguished the package on the ramp. The remaining
shipments were inspected and checked with a temperature entropy camera, which
revealed no signs of heating.
04/30/15 UPS N/A Other Device Types
While loading packages into a ULD at Louisville, KY a package was emitting a burning
odor. The package contained one (1) non-specification fiberboard box that
contained: One (1)7.2V/Li-ion 3400 mAh/24.5Wh “Phase One Digital Back” Battery,
two (2) batteries similar in size and shape of the “Phase One Digital Back” Battery,
marked with “Brian Garland Photography”, but no other descriptive markings, three
(3) “Phase One” 645 7.4V/2000 mAh Li-Ion. The batteries were not properly
packaged and did not contain any marking, labelling or shipping papers to
communicate the hazardous nature of the contents
04/25/15 Air Wisconsin Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Upon landing at Richmond, VA (KRIC) the pilot of Air Wisconsin flight 4010 reported
smoke and fire onboard the aircraft in the passenger cabin and declared an
emergency. The aircraft stopped and performed an emergency evacuation of
passengers and crew on the taxiway. No injuries were reported. The fire was
extinguished by the flight attendant with an onboard fire extinguisher. Upon
investigation by the fire department it was determined that the cause of the fire and
smoke was a spare lithium battery inside of the passengers back pack , which was
not in appropriate packaging, and was unprotected and mixed with loose coins
03/15/15 KLM Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
During taxi-in at the Bangkok (BKK), the flight attendants of a B777 passenger
carrying aircraft became aware of a strong ‘electrical smell’ in the forward cabin and
noticed a plume of light grey smoke coming from an overhead stowage bin above
passenger seat row 5 DEF. The bin contained carry-on baggage (black zipper
suitcase) holding what appeared to be a drone (quad-copter) with HD video camera
equipment in possession of a professional TV broadcasting team. The suitcase
contained four spare lithium ion batteries (rated 99.9Wh each) and one lithium ion
battery attached to the drone. The latter had gone into a ‘thermal runaway’, melting
a hole through the suitcase. The ensuing fire was swiftly and successfully
extinguished by two flight attendants after discharging two portable BCF fire
extinguishers, immediately followed by pouring approximately 5 liters of fluid over it
(from mineral water bottles, coffee jugs etc.).
02/13/15 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
While loading a FEDEX Express aircraft in Bend, Oregon, smoke was seen coming
from a unit load device being loaded onto the aircraft. A package inside the
container was smoking. This package contained undeclared hazardous materials
(lithium ion batteries) having no dangerous goods markings, labels or other indicia
communicating the hazardous nature of the cargo.
01/04/15 Skywest Airlines e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
SkyWest ramp agent observed a passenger bag to be on fire in the baggage make-
up area. The fire was extinguished and the police were called. The police determined
the likely cause of the fire was due to the E-cigarette vaporizer overheating and
burning inside the bag. The passenger was notified of the incident upon arrival in
Eugene.
12/15/14 Horizon Air Passenger Other Device Types
Horizon Air ramp agent found bag flaming and sparking during offload. The agent
extinguished the fire in the snow. Source of the flames was from a Cautery unit, a
small medical device, which uses electric current to heat the tip.
12/08/14 DHL Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
DHL personnel discovered a package containing 2 re-chargeable lithium-ion
batteries (undeclared) had caught fire at some point but had self-extinguished. It is
not known when it happened, it was discovered at the sort facility in Ontario, CA.
They were not transported by aircraft.
09/18/14 Euro Wings Passenger Cell Phone
Cell phone used by the crew as a POS (point of sale) device caught fire on a
Eurowings Canadair CRJ-900 as it was descending towards Stuttgart, Germany. It
was extinguished by the flight attendant. The crew declared an emergency reporting
a cell phone had caught fire and advised they would evacuate the aircraft after
landing. The airport stopped departures to accommodate the emergency. The
aircraft landed safely and passengers deplaned normally.
08/09/14 JetBlue Airways Passenger e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
JetBlue Airlines ramp agent discovered a bag emitting smoke. The bag was removed
from the aircraft bin and put on the ground. A fire extinguisher was used to attempt
to put the fire out without success. The contents were removed and the source of
the fire was an electronic cigarette, which continued to burn after it was removed
from the bag. JetBlue personnel extinguished the fire.
05/27/14 Hawaiian Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
Hawaiian Airlines ramp agent noticed a foul odor coming from a bag while loading
baggage onto the aircraft. The bag, which contained a Quad Copter powered by a
lithium ion battery, was removed from the aircraft bin and put on the ground as it
began to burn. The bag was doused with coffee, which extinguished the fire.
04/26/14 Fiji Airways Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
During the preflight inspection the captain of a Fiji Airways flight from Melbourne,
Australia to Fiji noticed smoke coming from the cargo compartment. After further
investigation it was determined that approximately 26 undeclared lithium ion
batteries, u
03/04/14 UAE/CAA Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority concerning
a group traveling on behalf of National Geographic with checked baggage, one bag
was a plastic hard sided case containing lithium-ion batteries. The team was
traveling from Washington, DC on a United Airlines flight to Dubai, UAE, where they
were transferring to a Flydubai flight that was destined for Khartoum, Sudan. Ramp
workers loading the Flydubai flight noted that one corner of a checked bag was hot
and melting. The bag was immediately removed and the fire department was called.
All other bags related to the passengers were off loaded and rescreened. Additional
batteries were found and appropriately packaged and shipped via cargo carrier to
Khartoum.
02/25/14 DHL Cargo e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Report from DHL of an international shipment that originated in Hong Kong. It was
discovered damaged by fire at the Erlanger, KY sort center. The shipment contained
25 E-cigarette devices, which were enclosed in bubble wrap package contents and
packaging. The contents and packaging were discovered charred and melted. The
shipping documents provided inaccurate information about the contents. The
package and contents were so damaged it was not possible to establish if the
devices were equipped with an effective means of preventing accidental activation.
The remaining pieces of the package were removed and stored by DHL. (revised
2/10/2015)
01/21/14 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Federal Express of an undeclared shipment containing eleven 8 volt
lithium-ion batteries that were shipped from Mumbai, India to Sydney, Australia.
During processing at the sort center, the shipment was being reviewed by Indian
officials when they noted it was extremely hot. When officials separated the
package they noted smoke and upon opening the shipment one of the lithium-ion
batteries became engulfed with flames. A Security Guard on duty immediately
extinguished the flame. The remaining pieces in the shipment are being kept at an
isolated location within the Federal Express facility.
10/27/13 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Federal Express of a shipment containing 174 individually packaged
lithium-ion batteries destined for Anchorage, AK. During handling at the Memphis,
TN sort facility a single battery was damaged by a dolly. This caused the battery to
short circuit and smolder. An employee noticed smoke emitting from the package
and reacted immediately with a fire extinguisher. No other damage occurred. The
shipper was notified and the remaining contents were shipped without incident.
10/02/13 FEDEX Cargo Laptop
Report from Federal Express of a lap top that was damaged by a dolly during
handling and caught on fire. The incident occurred at the Memphis, TN sort facility.
The battery was removed, and the lap top returned to the shipper.
09/26/13 American Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from American Airlines of flight #1159 departing Chicago O’Hare (ORD) for
Lambert-St. Louis International (STL) made an emergency landing when smoke was
detected onboard the aircraft. A lithium-ion battery short circuited in a digital
camera and caused a small fire in the overhead compartment. A Flight Attendant
extinguished the fire and the plane landed without incident. All 120 passengers and
six crew members switched planes and continued to STL.
06/28/13 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Federal Express of a metal case containing two lithium-ion batteries
and 12 aerosol cans that were found to be emitting a strong burning smell. The
terminals from one or both of the batteries came in contact with the aerosol cans or
each other, which likely resulted in a short-circuit creating enough heat to singe a
portion of the package. The shipment was discovered at the Indianapolis, IN facility.
06/27/13 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from UPS of a shipment, which was emitting smoke during the sort process
at the Ontario, CA facility. The shipment contained battery chargers with lithium- ion
batteries. Several batteries had overheated and appeared charred. The items were
placed in a 55-gallon drum and taken to a disposal area.
06/03/13 Southwest Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Southwest Airlines of smoke coming from a passenger’s bag on the
baggage carousel at the San Diego International Airport. Police officers noted that a
lithium-ion battery in the suitcase had come into contact with a screw driver and the
items melted. The damaged objects were removed and there was no evidence
indicating other damage occurred as a result of the incident.
05/18/13 DHL Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from DHL Express indicated that two of four boxes in a smoking shipment at
their Erlanger, KY facility contained equipment installed with lithium ion batteries
that showed evidence of fire.
03/28/13 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Federal Express indicated that one of eight packages in a shipment
containing undeclared batteries was on fire and another two showed evidence of
burning at its Memphis, TN sort facility.
10/27/12 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Federal Express indicated that a shipment loaded for an outbound flight
at its Memphis, TN facility was smoking. The shipment was found to contain 52
undeclared AA ion batteries housed in a box that was burned.
09/27/12 Southwest Airlines Passenger Cell Phone
Report from Southwest Airlines indicated that a cell phone and spare battery in
passenger carryon baggage overheated during flight and potentially caught fire. One
flight attendant and two passengers who handled the battery sustained burns.
06/07/12 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from United Parcel Service indicated that at its Louisville, KY facility, a
package containing 18 approximately 1 ounce lithium ion batteries from 6 various
manufacturers melted through their plastic wrap causing the outer package to start
burning.
05/05/12 United Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from United Airlines indicated that while loading bags a ramp agent at
Newark, NJ noticed two apparent batteries on the ramp that appeared to have
come from a whole that burned through a piece of checked baggage that had just
been loaded into an aircraft bin.
04/22/12 Air Express International Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Air Express International indicated that a packaged opened during the sort at its
Erlanger, KY facility. The package contained 17 lithium ion batteries. As one of the
batteries was being returned to the package, it shorted out and caught fire. One
employee was injured and treated at the facility.
04/17/12 Pinnacle Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
Report from Pinnacle Airlines indicated that a flight attendant described a shooting
fire from a passenger’s device at about the same time that the captain felt a small
thud. Within seconds the flight crew noticed a strong burning electrical odor and
the flight attendant observed a burning battery on the floor of the aisle. As trained,
the flight attendant used water from the service cart to extinguish the fire almost
immediately.
03/24/12 Atlas Air Cargo Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Atlas Air indicated that a package caught fire at its Incheon, Korea
facility. The package appeared to contain a lap top computer.
03/02/12 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Report form Federal Express indicated a fire in a package at its Toluca, Mexico
facility. When asked, the consignee reported that he had ordered a lithium battery
for a bicycle.
02/25/12 FEDEX Cargo Other Device Types
Initial report form Federal Express indicated that a smoking unit load device was
discovered at the Memphis, TN airport facility. Inspection revealed the contents of
the ULD included a smoking and burning self-propelled surf board.
10/29/11 Austrian Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
A cargo pallet carrying lithium-ion battery packs caught fire on the ramp awaiting
loading on Austrian Airlines flight AUA72 at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl. Airport,
Ontario, Canada.
10/10/11 United Airlines Passenger Laptop
Report from United Airlines indicated that the device left in a seat by a passenger
began to smoke resulting in a small fire when the seat was moved back to the
upright position (NFI).
09/30/11 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Report from Delta Airlines indicates passenger checked in with Air Canada in YKA for
flight to YVR and subsequent DL flight to SLC. During transfer at YVR, checked bag
began to smolder. As DL agent lifted the bag, it burst into flames. Subsequent
inspection of bag revealed it contained two large battery packs.
08/17/11 Delta Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
Report from Delta Airlines indicates that a passenger, prior to a flight from
Amsterdam to Detroit, was changed batteries for a camera and placed the “used”
batteries in a camera bag. The batteries became hot and caused smoke. All batteries
involved were left at the boarding gate before takeoff.
03/29/11 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from Federal Express indicated that the batteries offered for shipment
from Kwun Tong, China to Southampton, England caught fire for an unknown reason
at the facility in Tsun Wan, Hong Kong.
03/21/11 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from Federal Express indicated that the package offered for shipment
from Mumbai, India to Shenzen, China was observed to be smoking by a customs
official at the facility in Guangahou, China. Subsequent indicated the package
contained the batteries.
01/11/11 Delta Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
Report from Delta Airlines indicated that during DL# 1036 from SLC-ATL a
passenger’s device became very hot and the plastic started to melt. There was no
flame present. A flight attendant cooled the device with water.
10/06/10 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from United Parcel Service indicated that an electric storage acid
battery offered for air shipment from Shanghai, China was observed smoking at the
facility in Cerritos, CA. Subsequent investigation by FAA indicated that the battery
appeared to be an 18.5 Volt, 30Ah (555Wh) Lithium Ion Battery (Lithium Cobalt
Oxide (LiCo02)).
08/28/10 FEDEX Cargo Other Device Types
Initial report from Fed Ex indicated that the flashlight in a backpack belonging to a
jump seating crewing member caught on fire while at the gate in Memphis, TN. The
report indicated that one of the flashlight batteries exhibited signs of thermal
runaway causing the fire.
08/18/10 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from United Parcel Service indicated a worker at the Ontario, CA facility
noticed a smoking package offered for air shipment to Newbury Park, CA.
Subsequent inspection indicated that package contained two batteries in contact
and short circuiting.
05/06/10 Delta Airlines Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from Delta Airlines and incident response personnel indicated that
while placing a checked bag a on a cart at the Seattle-Tacoma International airport, a
baggage handler heard a “pop” and saw a flame and then smoke coming from the
bag. Airport police and others responded to the incident. The terminal was
evacuated. At the conclusion of the response, reports and eyewitness accounts
obtained indicated the baggage remnants included the CR 123 lithium batteries.
04/20/10 American Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
Initial report from American Airlines indicated that a lithium-ion battery powered
curling in checked baggage may have switched to the on position in the bag room at
Narita Airport, Japan after a flight. The incident caused the associated spare lithium-
ion batteries in proximity to the curling iron to go into a thermal runaway condition.
As a result, the bag and some contents were scorched.
02/09/10 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from United Parcel Service Airline indicated that, subsequent to air
transport from Hong Kong, during the local ground portion of the delivery, the truck
driver heard a loud pop. First responders were called to the scene. One of the
batteries in one of the packages in the shipment ruptured, discharged soot and
dislodged other batteries in the package.
09/09/09 American Airlines Passenger Personal Electronic Devices
Initial report from American Airlines indicated that one of its company-owned
batteries available for on-board use by passengers was dropped in-flight and caught
fire.
08/25/09 FEDEX Cargo Other Device Types
Initial report from Federal Express indicated that a burning and smoking package
was discovered at the Medford, MA facility. The package was in route to Seattle,
WA. An unsuccessful attempt was made to extinguish the fire by cutting open the
package and applying a fire extinguisher. The Fire Department had to be called.
Subsequent inspection revealed that two of the devices heated and caused the
surrounding packaging to ignite.
08/15/09 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from United Parcel Service Airline indicated that a smoldering package
was noticed at its Taiwan Hub. The package was transported from Macau, China.
Inspection of other packages in the same consignment indicated that similar
batteries were offered without terminal protection.
08/14/09 FEDEX Cargo e-Cigarettes/Vape Devices
Initial report from Federal Express indicated that upon landing at Minneapolis-St.
Paul Airport the crew was alerted to a fire by a warning light associated with a
forward compartment. Upon subsequent inspection of the relevant Unit Load
Device, numerous packages were discovered with smoke and fire damage.
07/15/09 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from United Parcel Service Airline indicated that one of several related
packages transported from Romulus, MI was discovered to be emitting smoke and
smoldering in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Upon inspection, package
contained numerous loose lithium-ion batteries with “…no protection of the contact
points…” Package documentation indicated, “used batteries – non haz”.
06/18/09 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
Initial report from United Parcel Service Airline indicated that a burned package was
discovered in Honolulu inside a Unit Load Device as it was being unloaded. The
package was originally loaded in Philadelphia and was subsequently transported on
UPS flight # 2967 from Ontario, California. DOT Form 5800.1 report to follow.
08/08/08 American Airlines Passenger Laptop
While in flight, a passenger on American Airlines flight 1539 from Washington
National to Dallas Ft Worth, noticed his Dell laptop was smoking. The passenger
removed the battery pack and gave it to a flight attendant. The flight attendant
placed the battery in a coffee pot in the aft gallery and poured water and Sprite on
it. Dell has been advised of the incident.
08/06/08 UPS Cargo Other Device Types
UPS Airline reports that a package containing LED lamps powered by excepted
lithium ion batteries was transported on UPS#0213 on 04-AUG from Louisville, KY to
Cologne, Germany. It was subsequently observed smoking in a UPS ground sort
facility in Copenhagen, Denmark.
03/18/08 United Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
In Denver, a UALA employee had two flashlights that contained CR123A Lithium
batteries. Flashlight used for inspection of aircraft started to dim. Flashlight was
turned off and placed in storage compartment in cockpit of 757. A banging noise
described like gunshots originated from the flashlight. Cap on the on/off switch
blown off and became projectile. Employees hand and fingers burned when he
touched the flashlight to move it to the rear of the cockpit. Mechanic responded and
safely removed the flashlight.
03/04/08 United Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
An i-Theater Video Display Unit used for viewing entertainment systems was
charged at home prior to United flight from Chicago to Tokyo. Control unit was in
use for 2.5 hrs. during the flight. Control unit began to generate heat, caused the
plastic case to swell and emitted 10” plume of sparks and debris. United Captain
doused unit with water. Small area of carpet damage to aircraft and no injuries to
passengers or crew.
02/29/08 Unknown Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
The make-shift power unit for a passenger’s laptop computer began to smoke
during pre-board security screening at Terminal 7 of the Los Angeles International
Airport.
02/14/08 Northwest Airlines Passenger Other Device Types
Approximately two-thirds of the 389 passengers had boarded a Northwest Airlines
Tokyo-Hong Kong flight, when a passenger’s carry-on bag caught fire in an overhead
bin. Flight attendants put out the fire with two fire extinguishers. One passenger
suffered a minor burn when he tried to put out the fire by hand. Early indications
are that a battery in a small flashlight inside the bag caught fire.
12/27/07 UPS Cargo Medical Devices
Shipment was submitted to UPS for “2nd day Air” service. After pick-up and ground
transportation, the package “spontaneously combusted” on the conveyor at a UPS
package sort facility in Cerritos, Calif. An employee put out the fire with a facility fire
extinguisher.
12/15/07 FEDEX Cargo Other Device Types
A package containing an R/C helicopter kit with lithium polymer batteries was being
sent from Hong Kong to the Netherlands. It was discovered emitting smoke at the
FEDEX sort center in Frankfurt, Germany. The package was brought outside the
building and the fire was extinguished.
12/11/07 UPS Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
A package of lithium polymer batteries for remote control aircraft was being
transported by UPS from Argentina to San Marino via Cologne, Germany. At the UPS
hub in Cologne, a customs inspector cut into the box with a knife, accidentally
cutting into a battery, which then caught fire. The battery had a soft plastic exterior
without a hard metal shell. A fire alarm was triggered and 400-500 people were
evacuated from the facility for 35 minutes. The transport section of the
accompanying MSDS stated the batteries were “non-regulated”.
09/30/07 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
After flying from Hong Kong, a Korea-bound box was emitting smoke upon offload at
the FEDEX Hub at Subic Bay, Philippines. No flames were seen. The box was
removed from the sort. The outer-most box was an overpack containing three inner
fiberboard boxes.
08/08/07 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
The batteries traveled from Hong Kong to Frankfurt on a FEDEX flight. During
customs inspection, one of the 440 batteries in the package started to burn.
06/14/07 Unknown Passenger Other Device Types
While walking in the Long Beach, CA, airport terminal prior to flight, a passenger’s
personal air filter worn around her neck exploded in a streak of fire. The battery was
ejected at high speed across the terminal and melted the carpet where it came to
rest. Passenger was uninjured but suffered scorches/burns on her clothing. A non-
rechargeable lithium metal battery may have been put into a recharger before
inserting it into the air purifier.
06/05/07 Unknown Passenger Laptop
While waiting in the airport gate area, a passenger plugged his laptop computer into
an electrical outlet on a column in the seating area. At some point the computer
began smoking. Airline agent suggested the passenger unplug or shutoff the
computer but passenger did not. The computer eventually burst into flames. Fire
extinguishers were used to suppress—but not quickly extinguish—the fire.
05/15/07 Unknown Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
Ramp worker removed checked bag that was on fire when loading passenger
aircraft. Fire department determined that the fire was caused by a battery-pack for a
Sony PSP handheld video game. Note: This information comes from an anonymous
report via the NASA ASRS. Airline, location, persons involved and exact date are
unknown.
03/19/07 Unknown Passenger Other Device Types
1 ½ hours into a passenger flight from Buenos Aires to Miami a small explosion
occurred in the Business Class section of the aircraft. There were sparks then a flash
and smoke. Flight attendants, then the Captain, responded. Battery fragments were
the only evidence found. It is suspected that the battery dropped into a seat and
arced against a metal seat frame causing it to explode. The ruptured battery
splattered debris on overhead bins. A fragment hit a passenger in the head burning
her hair near her earlobe. Seven flight attendants were affected by smoke/fume
inhalation. All refused medical treatment in Miami. One aircraft seat bottom and
four seat covers were damaged and replaced.
03/09/07 Unknown Passenger Laptop
Passenger flight from Toronto to Dallas/Ft. Worth diverted to St. Louis after strong
electrical burning smell in the cabin. Source was laptop being used by a passenger
while plugged in to aircraft power port via power converter. Power converter
reportedly heated up. Aircraft power port and laptop reportedly in normal working
condition afterwards.
03/01/07 Unknown Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
US mail package from EBay internet vendor containing twenty-four Surefire SF123A
batteries were transported on a passenger flight from LAX to Sydney and caught fire
at the Sydney Mail Gateway Facility.
02/26/07 Unknown Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
During checked baggage screening, TSA personnel discovered two 12-volt batteries
in a passenger’s tool box, reportedly for a business demo. The battery terminals
were exposed. Upon examination, one of the terminals touched the ETD table and
sparked causing the screener to drop the battery. The battery landed with both
terminals down and started smoking. TSA determined the batteries were not
“hazmat” and the airline agreed to transport the batteries as long as the terminals
were protected.
02/10/07 Unknown Passenger Other Device Types
While still climbing after takeoff from JFK, smoke began pouring from an overhead
bin in the passenger cabin. Passengers alerted the flight attendants who responded.
A flight attendant opened the bin and saw thick black smoke and flames in the rear
of the bin. As the plane returned to the airport for an emergency landing flight
attendants were able to put out the fire, discharging two Halon fire extinguishers.
Water was applied to some cloth embers that continued to burn after the Halon was
used. Cockpit crew smelled some light smoke in the cockpit and donned O2 masks
for approx. 20 seconds until the smoke dissipated. Source of fire, bag with audio-
video equip was secured in a lavatory. Aircraft landed and taxied to the gate. One
passenger complained of chest pains and needed assistance in exiting the aircraft.
The fire apparently was caused by loose batteries that were packed in a bag with
other audio-video equipment. One Energizer lithium metal 9- volt was destroyed in
the fire and seems most likely to be source of the fire.
12/15/06 Unknown Passenger Other Device Types
On a Houston-Portland passenger flight, a personal air filter, being worn on a strap
around a passenger’s neck, started a fire in the cabin. The device started making
hissing sounds and then emitted bright sparks/flash and a clap/bang sound. The
passenger removed the device and it fell between two seat cushions where it
continued to burn and smoke. Passengers dumped water on the device and then
flight attendants put out the fire with a Halon fire extinguisher. The aircraft diverted
to Colorado Springs. The passenger wearing the device suffered a superficial burn to
his chest. Dozens of passengers were examined by EMT personnel, mainly for
complaints related to inhalation of smoke and/or Halon fumes. Five or six
passengers were taken to the hospital. The two fire-resistant aircraft seat cushions
were replaced due to having holes burned in them. The airline flight attendant
accidentally disposed of the battery, so a determination of what type of lithium
battery (primary vs. secondary) could not be made. NTSB took possession of the
device and sent to their lab for analysis. Lab analysis of the damaged device was
inconclusive in determining what caused the malfunction.
12/14/06 UPS Cargo Other Device Types
During a UPS cargo flight from Sydney, Australia to Guangzhou, China, at 38,000 ft.,
the crew heard a loud bang. A crewmember found that his flashlight in a bag next
to his seat was warm and had a strong odor coming from it. The flashlight was
opened and there was soot/residue from burning. One of the two batteries (now
determined to be counterfeit) was damaged. Earlier the crewmember had dropped
the flashlight about 6 inches into his bag and heard a thump.
11/11/06 Unknown Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
After being shipped by air from China to the US, some batteries were selected for
inspection by US Customs. While on the desk of an import specialist, the battery
started emitting sparking flames and smoke.
09/15/06 United Airlines Passenger Laptop
Approximately 15 minutes prior to departure of a LAX-LHR transatlantic flight, the
laptop computer of a passenger began to smoke. The relief pilot and purser assisted
the passenger in removing the laptop from the airplane. The laptop was placed on
the floor of the gate area where it continued to smoke from the battery pack area
and a small flame appeared. A customer service representative discharged a fire
extinguisher on the fire. The battery pack continued to smoke for an additional
couple minutes with white smoke and a strong odor. The Fire Department
responded and discarded the burnt battery pack. The passenger stated the laptop
was an IBM that belonged to his company and had been in his possession the entire
time, having original parts and never having been serviced. The passenger was
reportedly not using aircraft power to operate the computer. The airplane remained
in service and departed on time without the incident passenger.
09/15/06 DHL Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
During off-loading at their Plymouth, MN facility, DHL/Airborne personnel
discovered two boxes that were warm to the touch. The boxes were opened and
found to contain hundreds and hundreds of button cell batteries loosely packed
together in a plastic bag liner. Batteries were being shipped by a small business
battery recycler that stated they thought all batteries were discharged. Tests
showed many still had positive voltage.
07/17/06 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
The unlabeled/marked package was discovered to have caught fire while being held
in bond for customs clearance in Korea. Package had traveled to Korea in FEDEX
system from Vienna via Paris and Subic Bay.
07/01/06 British Airways Passenger Other Device Types
Upon arriving at home after a flight, a British Airways passenger found that his
battery-powered photographic flash unit in his baggage had burnt holes in some of
his clothing. Plastic housing on flash unit had also melted.
06/02/06 Air China Passenger Battery Packs/Batteries
An Air China passenger flight from Guangzhou to Chengdu diverted takeoff due to a
lithium battery fire in the cargo hold. While taxiing for departure the fire alarm for
the lower deck cargo compartment activated. The Captain immediately released the
fire extinguisher and the aircraft stopped taxiing. Passengers were evacuated. A
burnt package containing lithium polymer batteries was discovered in the cargo hold
up against the ceiling of the compartment on top of the other packages. Burn marks
were visible on the ceiling. Shipment was declared as electric parts; there was no
indication of lithium batteries or Dangerous Goods. No UN test report was available
for the batteries. Eleven other boxes were in the shipment.
05/15/06 Lufthansa Passenger Laptop
Shortly before flight departure, a burning smell was detected in the first-class cabin
of a Lufthansa ORD-MUC flight. Maintenance personnel were called to check and
found it was coming from hand luggage inside an overhead luggage bin above seat
2A. The flight attendants evacuated the passengers in first class and first 2 rows of
coach class. Crew used extinguishers to prevent setting off what was seen as the
beginning of a slow fire. Maintenance immediately brought the bag outside the
aircraft onto the ramp where it started to catch fire. Fire dept. was called to assist.
Fire was eventually put out after reigniting once. Fire apparently started from the
extra battery pack for a laptop, which was purchased on eBay. Flight departed 1
hour 18 minutes late.
03/03/06 FEDEX Cargo Battery Packs/Batteries
US-bound package was noticed to be smoking at outbound FEDEX station in
Shenzhen, China. Upon inspection, the package of lithium ion batteries was
discovered to be on fire.
