Engine Trouble on Atlanta-Bound Delta Flight Sparks Grass Fire

Name: Engine Trouble on Atlanta-Bound Delta Flight Sparks Grass Fire
Uploaded: 2026-02-24T04:29:55.000Z
Description: There were 179 passengers, plus two pilots and 4 flight attendants on board the plane at the time of the emergency.

There were 179 passengers, plus two pilots and 4 flight attendants on board the plane at the time of the emergency.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 2/23/2026, 4:07:18 PM EST

A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta made an emergency return to Savannah, Georgia, on Sunday evening after suffering an engine failure during takeoff. The incident also sparked a significant grass fire near the runway.

Delta Air Lines Flight 1067, a Boeing 737-900, departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport shortly before 7 p.m. The plane was headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

"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,” Delta Air Lines said in a statement emailed to NTD.

According to Delta Air Lines, there were 179 passengers, plus two pilots and 4 flight attendants on board the plane at the time of the emergency.

“The Boeing 737-900 landed safely and was met by ARFF, then customers deplaned normally at the gate,” stated the airlines, adding: “The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority. We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels.”

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, or ARFF, responds to emergencies on airport property such as structural fires, fire alarms, hazardous chemical spills, and medical calls.

Garden City Fire Rescue in Georgia also assisted in putting out the large fire. “Garden City Fire-Rescue is currently operating mutual aid with Savannah Fire Department, Pooler Fire-Rescue, and 165th Airlift Wing Fire Department in the area of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for a large grass fire,” stated the fire department.

Water Tender 202, Engine 201, and Battalion 201 assisted with fire suppression, water supply, and command operations, fire officials said.

“Later in the evening, a replacement aircraft was utilized to complete the flight to ATL,” stated Delta Air Lines.

Video shared on social media by the fire department showed flames burning in a grassy area near the airfield, with an orange glow in the distance as wind gusts could be heard.

Audio from air traffic control captured the tower contacting the pilots: “Delta ten sixty seven, everything okay? I saw [a] pretty large flame on takeoff.”

“Declaring an emergency. We lost left engine,” the pilot replied.

Controllers instructed the crew to maintain 2,000 feet while coordinating emergency assistance. When asked about fuel and souls on board, the crew responded, “About ninety minutes of fuel and 181 souls on board,” adding, “We’d like the trucks rolled as well, please.”

The pilot asked if the fire was related to the engine failure. The controller confirmed that when the engine blew, it ignited the grass along the entire left side of the airport.

One passenger shared the incident on social media and wrote, “Impressed with the crew of @delta 1067 out of Savannah as they flew us back safely after a blown engine. They even told us not to worry about the fire on the grass! Stuff happens and that’s why you fly Delta. The best trained crews in the industry.”