A United Airlines passenger accused of triggering a mid-flight security alert that forced a packed aircraft to turn back has insisted his alarming hijack message was nothing more than a drunken prank.
Dante Milne, 25, was taken into custody after allegedly sending a message while aboard a flight from Las Vegas to Newark that read: "I'm gonna hijack this b**** and crash ur row only".
The trainee welder, from New Jersey, reportedly told investigators he had been drinking before the flight and was exchanging jokes with a colleague seated elsewhere on the aircraft.
Details of the incident
According to US reports, Milne had consumed a beer and several shots at an airport bar before boarding and subsequently fell asleep. He only became aware that something was amiss when he woke to find the plane heading back to Las Vegas just minutes after take-off.
Milne claimed he had initially texted someone on the flight, but could not recall what the message concerned. He later maintained the hijacking message was simply "banter between coworkers," the arrest file is reported to have stated.
He further added that he had no intention of hijacking the plane, and that he was sorry for the entire situation unfolding. Milne was travelling home following a three-day trip to Las Vegas for a work apprenticeship training programme in underwater welding, he told detectives.
Flight diverted back to Las Vegas
During the flight, a flight attendant spotted a passenger sending messages referring to seizing control of the aircraft and immediately alerted the pilot. 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, when the pilot took the decision to turn the aircraft around and head back to Las Vegas.
Air traffic control was informed shortly after take-off: "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," as reported by CBS News. The pilot further noted that the passengers showed "no restraint" because "he's unaware".
Aftermath and investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration released the following statement: "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."
Upon landing, all passengers were evacuated from the aircraft and a thorough search of the plane was conducted by the authorities. Milne was subsequently arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, according to PEOPLE.
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."
