On Friday, October 13, 2023, an unusual incident occurred on Copa Airlines Flight CM393 en route from Panama to Tampa. The captain decided to land back because of a suspicious object, which turned out to be a harmless incontinence brief.

The Boeing 737-8V3 with the registration HP-1832CMP was in use. Shortly after takeoff, cabin crew found a “suspicious object” in one of the toilets. Dutifully, the captain was immediately informed, who then decided to turn back out of pure caution. The plane landed safely at Panama City Airport shortly afterwards.

The situation was also unclear because there was a rumor that day that there had been a bomb threat against a flight. At this point, the crew had no concrete warning. Nevertheless, they played it safe and returned as a precaution.

After landing, the 144 passengers and crew were asked to get out by the police. All people and luggage were searched meticulously. Explosives experts from the executive branch carefully examined the “suspicious object” in the toilet and were then able to give the all-clear. It was just an incontinence brief, also known colloquially as an adult diaper.

With the appropriate amount of humor, the passengers and crew were able to board the flight to Tampa on the second attempt. In any case, they were assured that the incontinence briefs, which the police had officially disposed of, did not pose any danger. Incidentally, it was not explicitly stated whether the copy was used or unused.