In-flight emergencies caused by crushed smartphones

Damaged and lost phones on planes have been nominated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority as the biggest dangerous goods safety risk in 2016.

Emergency events on planes involving crushed mobile phones are increasing, with a warning for travellers to take care this Christmas.

The issue is caused by smartphones slipping into aircraft seat mechanisms and having their lithium batteries crushed, which can cause overheating and fire.

There have been nine recent emergency events on aircraft stemming from crushed phones.

Airlines are briefing passengers not to move their seat if a phone is dropped or lost, while aircraft manufacturers are looking at seat designs.

Passengers should not move their seat if a phone goes missing while in-flight, and must always ask the aircraft cabin crew for assistance. If a phone is damaged, cabin crew should be alerted immediately.

The increasing number of crushed phones on aircraft is being caused by the slim design of smartphones and the risk of fire is higher due to more powerful batteries.

Lithium batteries and portable power packs come in at number two on the dangerous goods list, with passengers still failing to carry spare batteries safely.

Spare batteries must never be carried in checked luggage at any time, but should be taken on board aircraft in carry-on baggage with the battery terminals protected.

Hover boards have made the dangerous goods list for the first time, with passengers still packing the self-balancing scooter in luggage despite widespread warnings. The absence of manufacturing standards for hover boards creates an increased risk of fire.

Compressed oxygen also makes the dangerous goods list, with passengers requiring oxygen for medical purposes failing to contact their airline before travelling.

CASA has an app to inform airline passengers about dangerous goods safety.

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