A forgetful federal air marshal left a loaded gun in the bathroom of a transatlantic flight which was then discovered by a passenger.
The passenger then passed it on to a crew member who returned it to the air marshal.
This latest flight security snafu is likely to cause further anxiety but the air marshal remains on active flight duty, CNN reports.
She is a relatively new air marshal who should have been placed on leave, sources tell CNN.
It took place aboard Delta flight 221, which departed Manchester, UK for New York JFK earlier this month.
The TSA confirmed an incident took place but gave no further information and a Delta spokesman also declined to provide details.
John Casaretti, president of the Air Marshal Association says new air marshals should be given more on the job training.
"These rare incidents must be thoroughly investigated and local managers should take appropriate corrective action. A field training officer program and thorough mentorship of new officers can reduce similar performance issues," Casaretti said.
"Air marshals work in punishing conditions, labor under poor leadership and have seen their law enforcement functions curtailed by an administration that lacks vision. The problem is not the air marshals, it’s the TSA."
