On a snowy Friday morning, a Delta Airlines Boeing 757 encountered an engine issue and aborted takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A malfunction during a critical moment led to minor injuries for four passengers and disrupted airport operations, Daily Mail reported.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:10 AM local time. As Flight 2668, destined for Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, accelerated down the runway, the pilots detected an engine problem and decided to halt the takeoff.
Delta Airlines reported that the flight crew immediately followed established safety procedures to address the engine failure indication. Their quick response prevented the situation from escalating further.
Amid heavy snowfall, the abrupt stop on the runway required an emergency evacuation of the over 200 passengers onboard. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene and assisted in the evacuation efforts.
Snow covered the runway as passengers quickly and orderly evacuated the aircraft. They used inflatable slides to disembark safely, which posed an additional challenge due to the harsh weather conditions.
During this tense moment, flight attendants instructed passengers to "duck down," a standard procedure designed to protect them during sudden stops. Shortly after, they gave evacuation orders, and passengers slid down to the snowy ground outside.
Four individuals sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. Three received treatment directly at the airport, while one was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The aborted takeoff and its subsequent evacuation led to significant disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The incident not only affected those on Flight 2668 but also altered the day's schedule for many other travelers.
With Atlanta already grappling with severe weather conditions, the incident added to the operational challenges. The airport reported a ground stop for all incoming Delta Airlines flights before this event, starting at 8:00 AM, further complicating traffic flow.
Throughout the day, a mix of weather-related issues and the emergency response led to the delay of 786 flights. An additional 421 flights were canceled or significantly delayed, affecting thousands of passengers.
In the aftermath, passengers shared their experiences on social media. A Reddit post from a user whose wife was aboard the flight detailed the evacuation, noting, "They were told to duck down and then were told to evacuate via emergency slide." The post highlighted the surreal circumstances, with passengers standing in the snow after sliding from the plane, their belongings still onboard.
Delta Airlines issued a statement underscoring the adherence to safety protocols: "Delta’s flight crew followed established procedures to suspend the takeoff of flight 2668 from Atlanta (ATL) to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) after an indication of an engine issue."
Meanwhile, the airport's communications team confirmed the timing and nature of the incident, helping clarify the sequence of events for those seeking information.
As operations normalized, Delta Airlines began coordinating efforts to accommodate passengers affected by the delays. The airline also started an internal review of the incident to prevent similar events in the future.
Passengers were provided with alternatives to reach their destinations and support regarding their abandoned personal items. Delta committed to handling each concern with the attention warranted by such disruptions.
The quick and effective response by airport emergency services and Delta staff helped avert a more serious outcome, emphasizing the importance of rigorous safety drills and procedure compliance.
The interaction between severe winter weather and the demands of maintaining tight flight schedules remains a critical challenge for airports nationwide, particularly at major hubs like Atlanta.
Travelers are encouraged to check their flight statuses regularly during winter months, as weather conditions can swiftly change the trajectory of planned travel. Airlines and airports continue to adjust to these dynamics, prioritizing passenger safety at every step.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the essential role of prepared and proactive flight crews and airport staff.
