“The Transportation Security Administration said it is unlikely to detect and unable to extinguish what an FBI report called ‘the greatest potential incendiary threat to aviation,’ according to a classified document obtained by The Intercept. Yet despite that warning, sources said TSA is not adequately preparing to respond to the threat.
Thermite — a mixture of rust and aluminum powder — could be used against a commercial aircraft, TSA warned in a Dec. 2014 document, marked secret [PDF here]. ‘The ignition of a thermite-based incendiary device on an aircraft at altitude could result in catastrophic damage and the death of every person onboard,’ the advisory said.”
Source: Exclusive: TSA Issues Secret Warning on ‘Catastrophic’ Threat to Aviation – The Intercept