While enroute to Sydney, Australia, passengers aboard Regional Express flight ZL319 were given a fright as an iPhone 4 “started emitting a significant amount of dense smoke accompanied by a red glow.” A flight attendant extinguished the phone and fortunately no one were harmed.

Apple recently announced a recall for the first generation iPod nano, citing “in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk.” While rare, a defective battery does have the potential to cause electronic devices to overheat and catch fire. Judging by the age of the iPhone 4, I feel it is safe to assume this is most likely an isolated incident.

From the Regional Express Press Release:

MEDIA RELEASE

MOBILE PHONE SELF COMBUSTION

iPhone 4 Fire

Regional Express

Regional Express (Rex) flight ZL319 operating from Lismore to Sydney today had an occurrence after landing, when a passenger’s mobile phone started emitting a significant amount of dense smoke, accompanied by a red glow.

In accordance with company standard safety procedures, the Flight Attendant carried out recovery actions immediately and the red glow was extinguished successfully.

All passengers and crew on board were unharmed.

The matter has been reported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as well as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for investigation and directions.

The mobile phone in question appears to be an Apple iPhone (see picture below) and has been handed over to ATSB for analysis.

Regional Express (Rex) is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 40 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1,300 weekly flights to 36 destinations throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel-Air Aviation and Dubbo- based regional airline Air Link, as well as the pilot academy Australian Airline Pilot Academy.

[Via BGR]