Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire

A pilot aboard an American Airlines flight reported possible burn injuries after a passenger’s laptop caught fire during the aircraft’s descent into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Friday, August 20, 2026. The incident occurred on Flight 2398, which departed from Atlanta and carried 133 passengers and crew members. According to air traffic control audio obtained by CBS News, the pilot described the situation as involving “cabin fire in the back of the airplane” and noted that flight attendants were attempting to extinguish the flames. The pilot further informed air traffic controllers that approximately four to five passengers might have suffered burns from the burning laptop, which was located around the middle section of the plane. The aircraft landed safely at DFW International Airport following reports of smoke from a passenger’s electronic device during the final stages of landing. A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that one individual received treatment and was later released, though no additional details regarding the extent of the injuries were disclosed. American Airlines issued a statement confirming the safe landing of Flight 2398 and thanking its crew for their professional handling of the situation. The airline emphasized that the device was swiftly contained, highlighting the crew’s quick response. The company did not provide specific information about the number of injured individuals or whether any passengers required medical attention beyond the one person who was treated and released. Lithium batteries, commonly found in devices such as laptops and smartphones, are known to pose potential hazards during air travel due to the risk of thermal runaway, a phenomenon where a battery overheats and can ignite unexpectedly. This occurs when the battery is damaged, exposed to excessive heat, water, or improper packing, among other factors. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established strict guidelines for carrying lithium batteries on flights to mitigate these dangers, including size restrictions and requirements for proper packaging. According to FAA data, there have been at least 56 incidents involving lithium batteries on flights so far this year, each resulting in smoke, fire, or overheating. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges airlines face in managing the risks associated with portable electronic devices. In February of this year, a similar incident occurred on an Alaska Airlines flight traveling from Seattle to Wichita, Kansas, when a passenger’s power bank overheated and caused a fire, forcing the aircraft to return to its point of origin. The incident on Flight 2398 adds to a growing list of aviation safety concerns related to consumer electronics. While the FAA continues to monitor and regulate the transportation of lithium batteries, the frequency of such occurrences suggests that more stringent measures or improved passenger education may be necessary. The agency has previously warned travelers about the importance of properly securing and transporting devices containing lithium batteries to prevent accidents. CBS News has contacted the FAA for further comments on the recent incident and the broader issue of lithium battery safety in aviation. As of now, no official response has been received. Meanwhile, American Airlines has not yet commented specifically on the nature of the injuries sustained by the affected passengers, nor has it provided updates on any follow-up actions taken by the airline or regulatory authorities. The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols both by passengers and airline personnel. With the increasing prevalence of electronic devices in daily life, ensuring their safe transport on commercial flights remains a critical concern for the aviation industry.