‘We Lost Left Engine’: Delta Flight Malfunction Leaves Inferno On Runway

A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta was forced to turn back to Savannah Sunday evening after a left engine failure shortly after takeoff,  an issue that sparked a brush fire near the runway.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that Delta Flight 1067 departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport around 6:45 p.m. but experienced a malfunction involving its left engine minutes into the climb.

Air traffic control audio captured the tense moment.

“Everything OK? I saw a pretty large flame on takeoff,” an air traffic controller asked the pilot.

“We lost left engine straight out here for Delta 1067,” the pilot responded.

Moments later, controllers alerted other aircraft that emergency crews were being dispatched after grass along the taxiway caught fire. The controller confirmed the engine issue had ignited grass on the left side of the airfield.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware shows the aircraft landed safely back in Savannah at approximately 7:12 p.m., less than 30 minutes after departure.

Delta said the Airbus returned “soon after takeoff” due to a mechanical problem.

“Delta flight 1067 from Savannah to Atlanta returned to the airport soon after takeoff Sunday evening, following a mechanical issue with the aircraft’s left engine,” the airline said.

“The aircraft landed safely and was met by airport response teams. Customers deplaned normally at the gate.”

There were 179 passengers on board, along with two pilots and four flight attendants. No injuries were reported.

Several fire agencies responded to contain the blaze. Garden City Fire Rescue said it assisted alongside the Savannah Fire Department, Pooler Fire-Rescue and the 165th Airlift Wing Fire Department.

Photos from emergency responders showed flames burning along the grassy area near the runway as crews worked to extinguish the fire.

Delta emphasized safety in its statement.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority. We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels,” the airline said.

A replacement aircraft was later dispatched to complete the short flight to Atlanta.

The FAA said it will investigate the engine failure.

The incident adds to a growing list of high-profile aviation mechanical issues this year, though in this case, the crew’s quick response and standard emergency procedures ensured the aircraft returned safely without injury.

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