Delta Air Lines experienced a significant incident involving its Airbus A330-300 on October 28. The aircraft, designated as flight DL777, was preparing for takeoff from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, heading to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia. With 271 passengers and crew members on board, the crew aborted the takeoff due to a reported engine failure.
During the acceleration down runway 26R, witnesses observed smoke and flames erupting from the right engine (PW4168A). This alarming situation prompted emergency services to respond immediately. The flight crew activated the engine fire checklist for the affected engine, ensuring they addressed the emergency swiftly.
Video footage captured during the incident revealed the critical nature of the event, with flames visibly emanating from the engine. Although initial reports suggested a serious fire, further evaluations by emergency personnel and the control tower indicated no visible fire or smoke once they arrived on the scene.
After aborting the takeoff, the crew requested assistance to tow the aircraft. They struggled to maneuver safely, as they couldn’t see the runway lights clearly. The flight crew shut down both engines and kept the passengers on board during this tense period.
Following the incident, Delta Air Lines responded promptly. Approximately 20 hours later, they dispatched a replacement aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, to transport the stranded passengers. Ultimately, the replacement flight arrived in Atlanta with a delay of over nine hours.
Delta confirmed that emergency personnel managed the situation effectively. The aircraft will undergo thorough inspections and maintenance before returning to service. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
Delta Air Lines has always prioritized safety, and their actions during this emergency reflect their commitment to passenger care. The Airbus A330-300, after inspections, is set to resume operations shortly.
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