A United Airlines passenger arrested after an alleged hijacking threat forced a flight to turn back mid-air has said the message was just poorly worded banter.
Dante Milne, 25, a trainee welder from New Jersey, was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, according to a criminal complaint reported by the New York Post.
Alleged Text Message
The alleged text, sent aboard United Airlines Flight 1681 from Las Vegas to Newark, read: "I'm gonna hijack this b**** and crash ur row only."
Milne told investigators he had drunk a beer and shots at the airport bar before boarding, according to reports. He said he fell asleep and only realised the plane was heading back to Las Vegas when he woke up minutes after takeoff.
Flight Crew Response
A flight attendant noticed Milne sending messages about taking control of the plane and alerted the pilot. The flight, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Newark Liberty International Airport, returned to Las Vegas.
The pilot told an air traffic controller: "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.
Passenger's Explanation
Initially, Milne said he texted someone on the flight but did not remember what the messages were about. When asked about the hijack comment, he claimed it was poorly worded "banter between coworkers," according to the arrest file.
Milne said he never meant to hijack the plane and apologised for how the situation unfolded. He told detectives he was returning home after a three-day trip in Las Vegas for a work apprenticeship training programme in underwater welding.
Aftermath and Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration said: "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."
All passengers were removed from the flight after landing, and the plane underwent a comprehensive inspection. Passengers flew the following day on an alternative flight. United Airlines said the flight was delayed overnight due to crew timeout and departed for Newark on Sunday morning.
