Delta flight DL581, en route from Aruba to Atlanta, was compelled to execute an emergency landing in Aruba after experiencing a mechanical problem shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737-900 aircraft, carrying 168 passengers, four flight attendants, and two pilots, circled the Caribbean island four times before safely returning to the ground due to what was described as a “mechanical issue.”
A spokesperson from the airline informed DailyMail.com about the incident, stating, “Delta flight DL581 from Aruba to Atlanta experienced a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff. It landed safely and returned to the gate uneventfully.” The representative further expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured that Delta teams were diligently working to ensure their swift and safe journey to their final destinations.
Passengers had to stay an additional night in Aruba before being rebooked on flights departing the following day.
Recounting the ordeal, one passenger shared on Reddit, “One of the engines blew up mid-takeoff, we circled Aruba four times and emergency landed.” Another passenger reported hearing a ‘loud boom’ shortly after the flight took off, speculating it occurred right after the landing gear was retracted.
The severity of the situation was emphasized by the captain’s announcement to passengers during the engine issue. According to one passenger, the captain informed them over the announcement system that the left engine was on fire but assured everyone that it was under control. Following standard safety protocols, the pilot made the decision to return to Aruba.
This incident adds to the recent challenges faced by Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft. The company has been under scrutiny, with the head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration stressing the need for Boeing to enhance its safety culture and address quality concerns before considering approval for an increase in 737 MAX production. Earlier in January, the FAA made a significant decision not to authorize Boeing to ramp up production of the 737 MAX after an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a mid-air emergency.
A spokesperson from the airline informed DailyMail.com about the incident, stating, “Delta flight DL581 from Aruba to Atlanta experienced a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff. It landed safely and returned to the gate uneventfully.” The representative further expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured that Delta teams were diligently working to ensure their swift and safe journey to their final destinations.
Passengers had to stay an additional night in Aruba before being rebooked on flights departing the following day.
Recounting the ordeal, one passenger shared on Reddit, “One of the engines blew up mid-takeoff, we circled Aruba four times and emergency landed.” Another passenger reported hearing a ‘loud boom’ shortly after the flight took off, speculating it occurred right after the landing gear was retracted.
The severity of the situation was emphasized by the captain’s announcement to passengers during the engine issue. According to one passenger, the captain informed them over the announcement system that the left engine was on fire but assured everyone that it was under control. Following standard safety protocols, the pilot made the decision to return to Aruba.
This incident adds to the recent challenges faced by Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft. The company has been under scrutiny, with the head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration stressing the need for Boeing to enhance its safety culture and address quality concerns before considering approval for an increase in 737 MAX production. Earlier in January, the FAA made a significant decision not to authorize Boeing to ramp up production of the 737 MAX after an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a mid-air emergency.
