Power Bank Explosion Forces Alaska Airlines Flight to Emergency Landing
An Alaska Airlines flight was compelled to execute an emergency landing after a passenger's power bank exploded in the cabin, causing smoke to fill the aircraft and resulting in one injury. The incident occurred on flight AS2117 from Wichita, Kansas to Seattle, which diverted shortly after take-off on Sunday due to what was described as an 'external battery fire'.
Passengers Describe Chaotic Scene
Witnesses reported that the charging device suddenly exploded while placed on a woman's lap, with flames rising nearly a foot high. Passenger Leana Stickler told local media outlet KAKE, 'It was just sitting in her lap... not being touched, and it exploded.' The fire left scorch marks on the woman's arms and legs, and she threw the burning device into the aisle.
Fellow passenger Tracy Soom, seated further away, said the plane had only been airborne for about 15 minutes when smoke began to permeate the cabin. 'We could barely breathe,' she recounted. A flight attendant quickly intervened, extinguishing the flames with a fire extinguisher.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Upon landing, three people were evacuated from the aircraft. The owner of the power bank received treatment at the scene before being transported to hospital for further care. An Alaska Airlines spokesperson confirmed that the phone and power bank were secured in a sealed bag prior to landing. All affected passengers were rebooked on a later flight to Seattle.
A statement from Wichita Airport verified that the aircraft landed safely after 'a passenger's external battery caught fire mid-flight.' The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns with lithium-ion batteries on aircraft.
Growing Airline Bans on Power Banks
This event follows a similar incident on February 15, when a Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight from Oslo to Tromsø made an emergency landing in Trondheim after a passenger's lithium-ion power bank began smoking and overheating. While no injuries were reported among the 186 passengers, crew members were evaluated for smoke inhalation.
In response to such risks, multiple airlines have implemented bans on the use of power banks during flights. Emirates, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and ITA Airways now prohibit these devices entirely on their aircraft. Most other airlines require them to be switched off during take-off and landing.
Regulatory Guidelines and Safety Measures
According to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules, lithium-ion batteries with a wattage below 160 Wh are permitted in carry-on luggage for personal use, with a limit of two per passenger. However, these batteries are strictly forbidden in checked baggage due to fire hazards.
Aviation experts emphasize that while power banks are convenient, their potential for thermal runaway—a condition where overheating leads to fire or explosion—poses significant risks in confined spaces like aircraft cabins. Passengers are advised to:
- Use only certified and undamaged power banks
- Keep devices in carry-on luggage, not checked bags
- Follow airline-specific regulations regarding usage
- Report any signs of overheating immediately to crew
The Alaska Airlines incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols, as even minor electronic devices can trigger major emergencies at 30,000 feet.
