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Pilot Diverted Flight After Hijack Threat Text, FAA Investigates

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

United pilot diverted Flight 1681 back to Las Vegas after an attendant reported a threatening text.
Dante Milne, a 25-year-old New Jersey trainee welder, texted he would hijack and crash the plane.
Las Vegas police charged Milne with terrorism-related threats; he was released on $10,000 bail.
The FAA is investigating and the flight left for Newark the next morning after an overnight delay.

Summary

The flight attendant saw Milne texting a hijack threat and warned the cabin crew.
Air traffic control received the warning shortly after takeoff and initiated a lockdown.
Lockdown procedures kept passengers confined to their seats until the aircraft landed safely.
The airline’s security team coordinated with Las Vegas police upon landing.
CBS News reported the ATC communication and lockdown, noting airline safety protocols.

History

On November 24, 1971, D.B. Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Flight 305, demanding $200,000 and parachutes, sparking a wave of copycat hijackings. The incident forced the FAA to install metal detectors, require baggage checks, and add “Cooper vanes” to block in-flight airstairs, practices later incorporated by airlines for rapid lockdown drills.

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On November 24, 1971, D.B. Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Flight 305, demanding $200,000 and parachutes, sparking a wave of copycat hijackings. The incident forced the FAA to install metal detectors, require baggage checks, and add “Cooper vanes” to block in-flight airstairs, practices later incorporated by airlines for rapid lockdown drills.

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