Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 11575; Flight Crew Type 3926
Distraction; Troubleshooting
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Procedure
The flight attendants advised us at altitude they heard banging in the cargo area on takeoff and once during taxi out. We advised dispatch and they investigated with HNL ops what may be there. It was decided that approximately 1800# pallet was not secured. This was confirmed on arrival. [ATC was advised] so we could have the long runway and fire trucks available should the cargo shift forward and come thru the EE compartment and result in a fire. A landing was made with no shift occurring.
The flight crew was advised during cruise by the flight attendants that they had heard banging noises coming from the cargo area during taxi and takeoff. It was determined that a pallet was not properly secured; and a precautionary landing was successfully accomplished.