A United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Newark was forced to turn back shortly after take-off when a flight attendant spotted a passenger sending messages about seizing control of the aircraft. The passenger, Dante Milne, 25, a trainee welder from New Jersey, was arrested and later described the message as drunken "banter."
Message triggers security alert
According to reports from the United States, Mr Milne allegedly sent a message while aboard the flight that read: "I'm gonna hijack this b**** and crash ur row only." He reportedly told investigators he had been drinking before boarding and was joking with a colleague seated elsewhere on the plane. He stated he had consumed a beer and several shots at an airport bar before nodding off during the flight, according to The Mirror.
Mr Milne is said to have woken to find the aircraft returning to Las Vegas, unaware that his message had led crew members to raise concerns about a potential security threat. He claimed he initially texted someone on the flight but could not recall what the message concerned. He subsequently claimed the hijacking message was simply "banter between coworkers," the arrest file is reported to have stated.
Flight 1681 turns back
United Flight 1681 was transporting 150 passengers and six crew members from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The pilot took the decision to turn the plane around and head back to Las Vegas. Shortly after take-off, air traffic control was informed: "The flight attendant saw him texting that he was going to hijack the aircraft. They called me. We went into lockdown, and we returned to Vegas," according to CBS News.
The pilot further noted that the passengers showed "no restraint" because "he's unaware." The Federal Aviation Administration stated: "United Airlines Flight 1681 returned safely to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas around 11:05 p.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 24, after the crew reported a passenger disturbance. The flight was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA will investigate. Contact the airline and local authorities for more information."
Arrest and apology
Following the aircraft's landing, all passengers were evacuated and authorities conducted a thorough search of the plane. Mr Milne was arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, according to PEOPLE. He added that he never intended to hijack the plane and was sorry for the entire situation unfolding. Mr Milne had been travelling home following a three-day trip to Las Vegas for a work apprenticeship training programme for underwater welding, he told detectives.
United Airlines stated: "United flight 1681 from Las Vegas to Newark on Saturday, Oct. 24, safely returned to Las Vegas to address a potential security concern. The flight was delayed overnight due to crew timeout, and departed for Newark on Sunday morning."
