NYC-to-LA Delta flight 520 returns to JFK after slide falls off Boeing aircraft
NEW YORK - A Los Angeles-bound Delta Airlines flight from JFK Airport was forced to return to New York and make an emergency landing on Friday after an emergency slide fell off the right side of the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Delta said that after takeoff the pilots got an alert about the emergency slide on the plane's right side and heard an unusual sound coming from that area of the Boeing 767 jet, which is listed as having been manufactured in 1990.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the crew reported a vibration.
In response to the situation, the flight crew promptly declared an emergency with air traffic control to receive priority clearance back to JFK Airport. The aircraft successfully landed back at JFK and taxied to a gate under its own power. Onboard were 176 customers, two pilots, and five flight attendants.
"After the aircraft had safely landed and proceeded to a gate, it was observed that the emergency slide had separated from the aircraft," Delta said in a statement. The airline assured that it is fully cooperating with retrieval efforts and investigations into the incident.
Delta emphasized its commitment to safety, acknowledging the professionalism of its flight crews and expressing gratitude for customers' patience during the delay caused by the emergency landing, said the plane was removed from service for evaluation, and it was cooperating with investigators and supporting efforts to find the slide.
"As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta flight crews enacted their extensive training and followed procedures to return to JFK," the airline said in a statement.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the emergency landing of Delta Flight 520, attributing the return to JFK to a crew report of vibration. The FAA will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This story was originally reported by FOX 11 Los Angeles.
