Pilots aboard an American Airlines flight mistakenly believed someone was attempting to break into the cockpit on Monday (October 20, 2025), prompting the plane to return to Omaha less than 40 minutes after takeoff for Los Angeles.
According to an American Airlines spokesperson, the confusion occurred because the intercom system used for communication between pilots and flight attendants had accidentally been left on. 
The pilots heard static noises over the intercom and wrongly assumed it was an attempted cockpit breach.
The flight, identified as American Airlines Flight 6469, was operated by SkyWest Airlines, which handles regional routes for American and other carriers. 
The aircraft involved was an Embraer ERJ 175, as listed on the flight tracking site FlightAware.
Authorities confirmed there was no security threat. 
The Omaha Airport Authority stated that no security-related incident had taken place at the airport and referred all additional queries to American Airlines.

Pilots mishear intercom, return flight to Omaha as false alarm sparks panic

False Alarm Forces American Flight Return

Pilots mishear intercom, return flight to Omaha as false alarm sparks panic

October 21, 2025 | 16:52 IST