NEW YORK - Emergency Exit Slide Detaches from Delta Airlines Flight
An emergency exit slide "separated" from a Delta Airlines flight, prompting an emergency return to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport Friday morning.
The crew noticed an indicator light related to the right wing emergency exit, and heard a sound coming from near the right wing, Delta said.
They declared an emergency and headed back, landing safely.
"As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta flight crews enacted their extensive training and followed procedures to return to JFK. We appreciate their professionalism and our customers' patience for the delay in their travels," Delta said in a statement. "After the aircraft had safely landed and proceeded to a gate, it was observed that the emergency slide had separated from the aircraft. Delta is fully supporting retrieval efforts and will fully cooperate in investigations."
The plane is now out of service and is being evaluated.
On the Boeing 767, there were a total of 176 passengers and seven crew members. Thankfully, the passengers were able to continue their journey on a different aircraft.
This incident adds to a string of worrying events in the aviation industry. Earlier in January, a Boeing jet experienced a door plug detaching mid-flight, leading to investigations. In another incident this month, an airplane in Denver had its engine covering fall off during takeoff. Additionally, a recent near miss at John F. Kennedy airport almost resulted in a collision involving multiple planes.
