United Passenger Accused of Threatening to Hijack and Crash Plane Says He Had Been Drinking Before Boarding

A United Airlines passenger accused of sending a threatening text message about hijacking and crashing a plane reportedly told police he had consumed beer and shots at an airport bar before boarding the flight. The message triggered a security response aboard the aircraft and forced the plane to turn around shortly after taking off from Las Vegas.

The passenger, identified as 25-year-old Dante Raymond Milne of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, was arrested on October 25, according to an arrest report cited by local media. He faces a charge of making a threat or providing false information concerning an act of terrorism. The allegations stem from an October 24 flight that was scheduled to travel from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

United Flight 1681 departed Las Vegas shortly before 11 p.m. local time, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members. After takeoff, a flight attendant reportedly noticed a concerning text message on another passenger’s phone. According to the arrest report, the message from Milne allegedly read: “I’m gonna hijack this b—- and crash ur row only.” The passenger who received the message was seated several rows behind Milne.

The flight attendant alerted the lead crew member, and the information was relayed to the pilots. The crew initiated security procedures and the captain arranged for the aircraft to return to Las Vegas. Air traffic control recordings later captured the pilot explaining that a flight attendant had seen a passenger texting about hijacking the aircraft. The pilot also said the passenger appeared unaware that the crew had been alerted and was complying with instructions.

Because the plane was still too heavy to land immediately after departure, it reportedly flew two loops to burn fuel before returning safely to the airport less than 20 minutes after takeoff. No injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft returned following a reported passenger disturbance and said the incident would be investigated.

During questioning, Milne reportedly told detectives that he had been in Las Vegas for a three-day apprenticeship training program related to his work as an underwater welder. He said he had consumed beer and shots at an airport bar before boarding and had planned to sleep during the flight. According to the arrest report, he acknowledged exchanging messages with his coworker but initially said he could not remember their exact contents. When investigators asked about the alleged hijacking message, he reportedly described the exchange as poorly worded “banter” between coworkers.

Milne denied intending to hijack the plane, crash it or hurt anyone. The report states that he acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and expressed remorse over the flight having to return to Las Vegas. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and later released after posting $20,000 bail. His attorney reportedly told a judge that the defense planned to plead not guilty. Milne is scheduled to return to court on January 5, 2027, while the FAA investigation continues.

Source: PEOPLE