A 'bomb scare' that caused an emergency landing at New York City's LaGuardia Airport was triggered by a woman who mistook a passenger's antique camera for an explosive device.   

American Airlines Flight 4817, from Indianapolis to LaGuardia, in Queens, was forced to make an emergency landing and evacuation via the plane's emergency slides, at 3pm on Saturday.

The 'security incident' began after a mother, who was traveling with her husband and children, noticed another passenger who was watching videos and viewing pictures of vintage cameras, sources told New York Daily News.

She began to fear the man was searching for bomb-making instructions. 

When he pulled out a vintage camera of his own, she was convinced the item was a bomb and alerted airline staff.

The planed landed away from the airport building and passengers were evacuated using the inflatable slides.

When on the ground, the supposed bomber was forced to lay face down on the tarmac and was searched.

The traveler's bags were also confiscated and searched.

They were found to have a skateboard and other vintage cameras. 

Video taken by fellow passengers showed firefighters surrounding the suspect as confused travelers mulled about the tarmac.