Officials say security screeners at a Bozeman-area airport failed to spot a gun in a passenger's luggage last month, but the man turned himself in when he realized his error.
Transportation Security Administration spokesman Dwayne Baird said in a written statement Wednesday that the unidentified man became aware that he had the firearm in his carryon luggage as he was boarding Dec. 13 at Gallatin Field.
The gun was confiscated and the passenger was allowed to continue on the flight.
The incident occurred nearly two weeks before the alleged Christmas Day attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner reawakened widespread concern over airline safety.
Still, Gallatin Field Board Chairman Dick Roehm says he's disappointed at the lapse and the airport is looking into turning to a private company to handle security at the airport.
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Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
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