Earlier today, a United Airlines Boeing 767 operating a flight between Zurich and Chicago diverted to Shannon due to a laptop being stuck in a seat.
Information has been released about this bizarre incident, as we will explore in this piece.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
United Airlines UA12 Zurich-Chicago: Shannon Diversion…
United Airlines flight UA12, which diverted to Shannon, is a routine scheduled flight between Zurich and Chicago.
The aircraft involved in this incident is registered as N663UA.
As per data from Planespotters.net, N663UA is a 30.8 year old Boeing 767-300 that was delivered to the airline in August 1993.
Of the 767-300 variant, UA has 37 in the fleet.
Furthermore, of that 37, all but six are in active service, offering an average fleet age of 28.3 years.
United Airlines flight UA12 departed Zurich at 1007 local time this morning and climbed west to Chicago.
Part of the way through it’s Atlantic crossing, the aircraft made a u-turn and proceeded to head to Shannon.
The aircraft landed safely without incident into the Irish airport after four hours and 35 minutes in the air.
As per reporting from The Aviation Herald, it is understood the cause was due to a passenger’s laptop becoming stuck in the seat.
Furthermore, it is understood that it was stuck in an “inaccessible location”.
UA12 from Zurich remains on the ground in Shannon at the time of writing.
It is unclear when the aircraft will continue on to Chicago.
Why Would This Cause A Diversion?: Explained…
There are many who may be unsure why this would prompt a diversion.
But a laptop, with a battery, stuck in an inaccessible location, could create further problems if the battery heats up.
If it heats up and catches fire, then that could cause serious concerns over the aircraft’s safety.
As a precaution, it is safer for the aircraft to land, regardless of the inconvenience it may cause to the passengers.
All eyes will be on when the aircraft will continue on to Chicago from Zurich via Shannon.
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