Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Acroterion
The Federal Aviation Administration has initiated an investigation into an incident involving a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER, where a portion of the aircraft’s wing flap detached during flight. The incident occurred on July 1, 2025, during Delta Flight 3247, which was en route from Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The flight, carrying 109 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at Raleigh-Durham International Airport without any reported injuries.
After landing, maintenance personnel discovered that a portion of the left wing’s trailing edge flap was missing. The missing component was later found in a residential driveway near the airport, prompting the FAA to open an investigation to determine how and why the part detached from the aircraft. Delta Air Lines has fully supported the retrieval efforts and is cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing that passenger safety remains their top priority.
The wing flap is a critical component of the aircraft’s wing, used to increase lift during takeoff and landing. The detachment of such a component is a serious safety concern, and the FAA’s investigation will focus on maintenance records, material fatigue, and potential manufacturing defects. The agency aims to identify the root cause of the detachment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident follows a similar event in April 2024, when a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 experienced a mechanical issue during takeoff from Denver International Airport. In that case, the engine cowling detached and struck the wing flap, prompting an FAA investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board later identified a maintenance issue as the cause of that incident.
The FAA’s ongoing investigation into the Delta Air Lines incident underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of the aviation industry. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of rigorous maintenance protocols and thorough inspections to maintain public confidence in air travel.
