Delta Air Lines is apologizing after a terrifying midair scare forced one of its jets to turn around just moments after takeoff — with passengers reporting flames shooting from an engine and grass catching fire near the runway.
The incident happened Sunday evening on Delta Flight 1067, which was traveling from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia to Atlanta.
According to Delta, the 13-year-old Boeing 737-900 experienced a mechanical issue with its left engine shortly after departure.
“Delta Flight 1067 from Savannah to Atlanta returned to the airport soon after takeoff Sunday evening, following a mechanical issue with the aircraft’s left engine,” the airline said in a statement to WSAV. “The Boeing 737-900 landed safely and was met by fire trucks, and customers deplaned normally at the gate.”
The airline added, “We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels.”
While no injuries were reported, passengers described a frightening scene in the air.
Melissa Johnson, who was on board, told the station the trouble began almost immediately after the plane left the ground.
“During takeoff, it felt like within a couple seconds of when the wheels left the runway that we heard this loud boom, and we saw sparks flying,” she said. “It was almost like the sound of a car engine that backfired but ten times as loud.”
Johnson said the reaction inside the cabin was immediate.
“You could tell there was a lot of fear on the plane just from the passengers,” she added.
Witnesses on the ground reportedly saw flames coming from the engine and said the blast ignited grass near the runway as the aircraft climbed out.
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Despite the dramatic moments, the flight crew safely returned the plane to Savannah, where emergency vehicles were waiting on the tarmac. Passengers were able to exit the aircraft normally at the gate.
The cause of the engine issue has not yet been publicly detailed.
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