Dante Milne, 25, faces a terrorism-related charge after allegedly sending a text threatening to hijack a United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Newark. A flight attendant reportedly saw the message shortly after departure and alerted the captain, prompting the Boeing 737 to return to Harry Reid International Airport. Milne told investigators he had been drinking before boarding and described the message as poorly worded banter with a coworker.
The flight carried 150 passengers and six crew members on Saturday, Oct. 24. After returning to Las Vegas, the aircraft remained overnight because the crew reached its permitted working hours. It continued to Newark the following morning. The investigation remained ongoing.
| 1) | Alleged message aboard the flight |
| 2) | Crew response and return to Las Vegas |
| 3) | Investigators’ account of drinking and intent |
| 4) | Charges, bail and next court date |
| 5) | Airline and aviation response |
Alleged message aboard the flight
The alleged threat was sent Saturday aboard United Airlines Flight 1681, traveling from Las Vegas to Newark, New Jersey. According to the arrest report, Milne allegedly wrote, “I’m gonna hijack this b—- and crash ur row only.” The message was reportedly sent while the Boeing 737 carried 150 passengers and six crew members.
A flight attendant allegedly noticed the message soon after takeoff and notified the captain. Because the text referred to hijacking and crashing the aircraft, the crew treated it as a potential security threat.
Crew response and return to Las Vegas
The captain secured the cockpit and directed the aircraft back to Harry Reid International Airport. It landed at approximately 11:05 p.m. The return allowed the crew and authorities to address the reported threat while protecting passengers and crew.
Air traffic control audio described the passenger as unaware that the aircraft had turned around because of the message. The pilot reported that Milne was compliant and had not been restrained at that point. The flight did not continue that night because the crew reached its permitted working hours.
Investigators’ account of drinking and intent
Milne told investigators he had consumed a beer and several shots at an airport bar before boarding. He reportedly fell asleep after taking his seat and woke while the aircraft was returning to Las Vegas. He initially acknowledged texting someone on the flight but said he could not remember what he had written.
When asked about the alleged threat, Milne reportedly called it poorly worded banter with a coworker. He said he had not intended to take control of the aircraft and apologized. The arrest report says he had been returning home after three days in Las Vegas for an apprenticeship training program involving underwater welding.
Charges, bail and next court date
Authorities charged Milne with one count of making threats or conveying false information concerning an act of terrorism. The charge concerns the alleged message and the security response it triggered. His explanation does not end the legal process, and the accusation remains a matter for the court.
Milne was released on $10,000 bail. His attorney told a judge that Milne intended to plead not guilty. He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 5.
Airline and aviation response
The airline said Flight 1681 safely returned to Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 24, because of a potential security concern. It said the overnight delay resulted from the crew reaching its permitted working hours and that the aircraft departed for Newark the next morning.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the crew reported a passenger disturbance and said the incident remained under investigation. The response shows how a reported threat can lead to a cockpit lockdown, an immediate diversion and a prolonged travel disruption even when the passenger is described as compliant.
| No. | Key point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A flight attendant reportedly saw an alleged hijacking threat aboard Flight 1681. |
| 2 | The captain secured the cockpit and returned the aircraft to Las Vegas. |
| 3 | Milne said he had been drinking and intended the message as workplace banter. |
| 4 | He faces one terrorism-related count, was released on $10,000 bail and is due in court Jan. 5. |
Summary
The alleged threat caused United Flight 1681 to return to Las Vegas, where the crew and authorities addressed the reported security concern. Milne said alcohol and poorly worded joking were involved and denied intending to hijack the aircraft. The criminal case remains pending, while aviation authorities continue reviewing the passenger disturbance and the operational response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the United flight?
A flight attendant reportedly saw a text from a passenger that threatened to hijack the aircraft. The captain secured the cockpit and returned the flight to Las Vegas.
What does Dante Milne say about the message?
Milne said he had been drinking before boarding and described the message as poorly worded banter with a coworker. He said he never intended to take control of the aircraft and apologized.
What charges does Milne face?
He faces one count of making threats or conveying false information concerning an act of terrorism. He was released on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 5.
Why was the flight delayed overnight?
The crew reached its permitted working hours after the aircraft returned to Las Vegas. The flight departed for Newark the following morning.
