Alaska Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Passenger's Phone and Power Bank Catch Fire

One passenger hospitalized after incident on flight from Wichita to Seattle

Feb. 23, 2026 at 4:56pm

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An Alaska Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday after a passenger's phone and battery pack caught fire mid-flight. Three people were evaluated by emergency personnel, and one person was transported to the hospital for further treatment. Lithium battery incidents on planes are on the rise, with 95 reported in 2025 according to the FAA.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing safety concerns around lithium-ion batteries on planes, as their use continues to increase. While rare, these types of incidents can pose a serious risk to passenger safety and aircraft operations. The FAA has reported a rise in such incidents, underscoring the need for greater awareness and safety protocols around the transportation of these types of batteries.

The details

According to reports, the fire started when a woman was using a lithium-ion battery pack to charge her phone. The battery pack suddenly exploded, with the flame reaching about a foot tall. The burning battery pack injured the woman's arms and legs before she was able to toss it into the aisle. Other passengers helped put out the fire using towels and shoes. The plane, an Embraer 175 jet, had only been in the air for 15 minutes when the incident occurred.

  • The incident happened on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The plane was departing Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) and headed to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The players

Leana Stickler

A passenger on the flight who witnessed the incident.

Tracy Soom

Another passenger on the flight who described the smoke from the fire.

Alaska Airlines

The airline operating the flight that made the emergency landing.

Horizon Air

The regional airline that operated the Embraer 175 jet for Alaska Airlines.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency that reported a rise in lithium battery incidents on planes, with 95 verified incidents in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I was right next to her, and it was just sitting in her lap, not being played with, not being touched, and it exploded.”

— Leana Stickler, Passenger (KAKE)

“The flight attendants came running back with a fire extinguisher and put it out. The smoke was so bad I couldn't breathe.”

— Tracy Soom, Passenger (KAKE)

What’s next

The FAA and airlines will likely review safety protocols around the transportation of lithium-ion batteries on flights to prevent future incidents.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are ubiquitous in modern electronics. It underscores the need for greater awareness and safety measures to mitigate the risks of these batteries on commercial flights.