Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire on American Airlines flight

August 21, 2026 / 10:19 PM EDT / CBS News

Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire on American Airlines flight

TL;DR

  • A laptop caught fire on American Airlines Flight 2398, originating from Atlanta.
  • The pilot reported that four to five passengers may have suffered burns from the laptop fire.
  • The flight landed safely at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and one passenger was treated and released.
  • The FAA notes that lithium batteries can pose fire risks on flights due to thermal runaway.
  • There have been at least 56 reported lithium battery incidents on flights this year.