Breaking news
Could be something – could be nothing:
United Airlines flight 923 from London to Washington D.C. was diverted to land at Logan Airport due to a disturbance on the plane. A pilot declared a security emergency and three passengers had a confrontation with the flight crew.
And:
WRKO (680 AM) is reporting that a woman, hopefully one of those causing the disturbance, was found tied up in the back of the plane. It is also being reported that a screwdriver, matches, Vaseline, and a note mentioning Al Qaeda we recovered from the airplane.
I’m not up on terror tech but matches and vaseline?
update: More:
Federal officials are saying the diversion of flight 923 is not terrorism-related though there was concern about the flight’s security.
August 16th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
As I understand it, vaseline and tender (cotton, toilet paper, etc) is a very very flammable combination. Great for starting fires.
August 16th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
That is correct; cotton balls soaked in vaseline and kept in an airtight container are recommended for survival kits; they make very good tinder.
August 16th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
Turns out that was pur speculation, the reason for the diversion was a claustrophobic episode by a lady passenger.
August 17th, 2006 at 7:59 am
Matches and vaseline? Were they also carrying cigarettes and condoms?
August 20th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Here’s some more disturbing information on this:
– She had recently been in Pakistan visiting with “Pen Pals” that she had been writing with.
– She was denied boarding on a previous connecting flight due to her comments in the board area.
? Was she a distraction for a hijack attempt?
? Was she a test-run for a distraction for a hijack attempt?
– A small fire started in the forward lavatory might cause the cockpit door to be opened for the captain to address the emergency, and a screwdriver would be enough of a weapon to take him out.
– Alternatively, using the screwdriver to gain access to a panel and storing the flammable materials behind said panel – possibly near a light (“occupied”) would cause a fire at a future date.
(Just some random – and dangerous – thoughts…)
(Oh, one point to follow-up on would be if she were prevented and delayed travel on a future plane, did anyone else delay their flight to America so they could be on the same plane that she had her “incident” upon?)