Delta flight returns to JFK airport after emergency slide malfunctions: officials

NEW YORK (PIX11)– A Delta Air Lines flight headed to Los Angeles was forced to make an emergency landing at JFK International Airport Friday morning after the right-wing emergency slide fell off after takeoff, officials said.

“Delta Air Lines Flight 520 returned safely to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York around 8:35 a.m. local time on Friday, April 26, after the crew reported a vibration,” the FAA statement said.

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After takeoff, the flight crew received an alert that something was wrong with the right-wing emergency exit slide, according to Delta. They also heard an unusual sound coming from near the wing, a spokesperson for Delta said.

The flight crew called air traffic control and declared an emergency landing. The Boeing 767-300ER aircraft landed safely and proceeded to a gate, where passengers deboarded the plane, officials said.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,” Delta said in a statement. “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.”

The Boeing aircraft had over 150 people aboard at the time of the incident. The aircraft was removed from service and Delta is continuing to evaluate the aircraft, a Delta official said.

Customers were able to continue their journey to Los Angeles on another aircraft.

It was not immediately clear where the emergency exit slide landed or if Delta had recovered it.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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