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VIDEO: Delta Passengers Scream In Terror As Plane Engine ‘Explodes’ On Takeoff
Delta passengers flying out of Brazil were thrown into panic late Sunday after a mechanical problem on takeoff sparked a terrifying burst of flames and debris from the jet’s left engine, forcing the widebody plane to turn back and make an emergency landing.
Delta Flight DL104, bound for Atlanta with 272 passengers and 14 crew on board, ran into trouble as it lifted off from Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, the airline said.
Video posted to social media shows bright sparks and what appear to be flames shooting from beneath the wing as the aircraft’s wheels leave the runway, triggering screams inside the cabin and immediate alarm from travelers who feared the engine had failed.
A passenger aboard Delta flight DL104 recorded the moment the left engine failed, emitting flames immediately after takeoff at Sao Paulo Airport. The aircraft, heading to Atlanta, diverted back to GRU, landing safely. https://t.co/AFQF0NaKGz pic.twitter.com/YWMGmr6Wwo
— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) March 30, 2026
Delta described the incident as a “mechanical issue” involving the left engine.
“The Airbus A330-300 landed safely and was met by ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting), then customers were taken by bus to the terminal,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
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“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority. We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels”
No injuries were reported.
The incident is the latest reminder that when airlines cut it close on maintenance, staffing and scheduling, regular families are the ones stuck praying their flight makes it back to the ground in one piece. It also comes as travelers have faced growing anxiety over a string of high-profile aviation scares in recent months, even as officials and carriers insist flying remains safe.
Delta did not immediately provide additional details about what failed on the engine or when the passengers would be rebooked to Atlanta.
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