ATLANTA. Two Delta Airlines commercial passenger jet aircraft suffered engine problems, including visible smoke and flames, this week – just days after an exploded engine prompted the emergency landing of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380.
The traveling public is voicing serious concerns about the condition of commercial aircraft, particularly the aircraft engines, currently being operated by airlines and questioning whether enough is being done to maintain older aircraft, the efficacy of current FAA regulations and rules enforcement, and the overall safety of air transportation today.
On 18 April 2018, firefighters doused flames emanating from the engine of an Airbus A330-330 commercial passenger jet operated by Delta at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Airlines Flight 30 had just taken off from the airport in Atlanta and was destined for London when smoke was noticed emanating from the number two engine, prompting the pilot to return.
Delta officials issued the following statement:
“Delta flight 30 from Atlanta to London returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday after an issue with its number 2 engine. The flight landed without incident and airport response vehicles met the aircraft upon arrival. The airplane was towed to the gate, where customers deplaned through the jetway and will be accommodated on a different aircraft. The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority and we apologize to our customers on this flight.”
One day prior, on 17 April 2018, the pilot of a Delta Airlines flight from Providence, Rhode Island, to Atlanta aborted takeoff because the commercial jet was experiencing engine trouble.
Passengers on the flight and travellers at the airport took to Twitter to provide images and videos of the smoking aircraft on the runway. The following images are courtesy @EgasPaul on Twitter.
