Delta Flight's Engine Blowout Sparks Runway Fire in Georgia Emergency
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900 experienced a dramatic engine failure during takeoff from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on Sunday evening, setting the runway grass ablaze and prompting an emergency return. Flight 1067, bound for Atlanta with 179 passengers, two pilots, and four flight attendants, quickly turned back after its left engine blew out shortly after liftoff at around 6:30 p.m. local time.
Chaotic Scenes as Passengers Fear for Their Lives
Onboard the aircraft, passengers described a terrifying ordeal. Geoff Thatcher, a seasoned Delta traveler with over 3 million miles flown, recounted the moment of crisis. "Just as we reached peak speed on the runway, we all heard a loud high-pitched POP," he told the Daily Mail. Thatcher and his wife, Tanya, held hands, fearing the worst. "We said, 'Well, if we are going to go, I’d rather go together.' We then talked about how our kids would be fine," he added.
The pilot declared an emergency, as captured in air traffic control audio obtained by ABC affiliate WJCL. When asked by the controller about a large flame seen during takeoff, the pilot responded, "We lost left engine straight out here for Delta 1067." The controller then instructed another aircraft to move away, noting, "We’re going to get a fire truck out there, that whole taxiway is on fire."
Runway Fire and Emergency Response
The engine failure ignited the grass on the left side of the airport, creating a significant fire. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, though the blaze did not affect the runway or disrupt other flights. As the plane circled back for landing, passengers saw flames and billowing smoke from the windows. Thatcher captured video of the fire from above, later sharing it on social media.
Upon landing, the aircraft rolled past burning grass with fire trucks lining the runway. The captain attempted to reassure passengers, announcing, "Just wanted to let you know that as we land you’ll see a grass fire next to the runway. This is normal in situations like this and nothing to worry about." However, Thatcher noted the scene was "dramatic and chaotic" and "none of us fully expected" it.
Pilot Professionalism and Passenger Relief
After the safe landing, the captain emerged from the cockpit to address the passengers. Thatcher recalled a particularly memorable line: "I’m sure you were nervous for a few moments there and, if I'm being honest, we were a little nervous for a tiny bit as well." The plane erupted in applause, with passengers appreciating the crew's professionalism. Thatcher praised Captain Evans Boeve and First Officer Hochstetler, calling them "professionalism personified" in a Facebook post.
The aircraft was towed back to the gate around twenty minutes later, and passengers deplaned normally, greeted by emergency services. Delta confirmed that a replacement aircraft was used later that evening to complete the flight to Atlanta. In a statement, the airline apologized for the delay and emphasized that safety is its highest priority.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Monday that it will investigate the incident. In a statement, the FAA noted, "Delta Air Lines Flight 1067 safely returned to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport around 7:15 p.m. local time on Sunday, Feb. 22, after an engine failed on departure." The investigation will likely focus on the cause of the engine blowout and the subsequent fire.
Thatcher theorized that all sparks from the engine failure shot out during takeoff, as no flames were visible onboard. He remains a loyal Delta customer, expressing gratitude for the crew's handling of the emergency. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of air travel, even on routine flights, and highlights the importance of trained professionals in crisis situations.
