Delta Plane Catches Fire At Orlando Airport: 294 Evacuated Safely Amid Emergency

In a concerning aviation incident on Monday, a Delta Air Lines aircraft experienced an engine fire while preparing for takeoff at Orlando International Airport, prompting the emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew members. The aircraft involved, an Airbus A330, was scheduled to depart for Atlanta but was halted following the fire.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. EDT as the plane was pushing back from the gate. All 282 passengers and 12 crew members on Delta Flight 1213 were safely evacuated using emergency slides, with no injuries reported. The FAA has confirmed it is launching a full investigation into the cause of the engine fire.

Related safety regulations and aviation updates can be found via the official FAA.gov.

Swift Response from Airport Authorities

In a social media update, Orlando International Airport confirmed the fire was isolated to the aircraft’s tailpipe section during taxi on the ramp. Emergency responders from the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team were on scene quickly to contain the situation.

Delta Airlines released a statement noting that its crew followed standard safety protocols upon noticing flames, ensuring a swift and safe evacuation. The airline has dispatched a separate aircraft to continue passengers’ travel to their final destinations later that day. Additionally, Delta’s maintenance division has taken the affected plane for technical evaluation.

Recurring Pattern in US Aviation

This marks another serious incident in what has become a worrisome trend in US aviation safety. In a separate occurrence just weeks earlier, an American Airlines aircraft experienced a similar engine fire during taxiing at Denver International Airport, forcing passengers to evacuate via the wing.

These incidents come on the heels of a deadly mid-air crash in January, where an American Airlines regional jet collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport, killing at least 67 people, according to CNN.