The Salt Lake City airport suspended checked baggage screening for nearly two hours after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents thought a passenger had a bomb in their bag.
A skull with "unidentifiable components" was flagged as potentially being a dangerous item, according to a TSA release. The skull resembled an improvised explosive device.
TSA notified the Salt Lake City Police Airport Division who, along with explosive specialists, attempted to identify the object and determine risk levels to the public. An explosive detection canine was also used.
They made contact with the passenger who explained what the item was — a learning device for spine and neurosurgeons.
The item, which was a plastic skull, putty, a 9-volt battery and a sensor is used to instruct doctors on how to conduct a lobotomy. The passenger was transporting the item for display at a trade show in Cancun, Mexico.
TSA federal security director for Utah Matt Davis said the incident and response is an example of how "TSA must take every potential security threat seriously while making sure that the transportation system is not put at risk."
"I was pleased at the professionalism of everyone involved who worked closely to fully resolve the matter, to ensure that security was not compromised and to resume operations as quickly possible."
The training device was ultimately not allowed on the flight, and the item was retained for the passenger to collect on his return.
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