SAVANNAH, Ga. – A Delta Air Lines flight experienced a significant engine failure shortly after takeoff on Sunday evening, prompting an emergency return to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and igniting a large grass fire near the runway. The incident, involving Delta Flight 1067, a Boeing 737-900 bound for Atlanta, occurred around 6:45 p.m. local time. Passengers reported hearing a loud boom and seeing sparks shortly after the aircraft left the ground.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot declaring an emergency, stating, “We lost left engine straight out here for Delta 1067.” The air traffic controller immediately observed a “pretty large flame on takeoff” and alerted emergency crews to a growing grass fire along the runway. Firefighters from multiple departments, including Garden City Fire Rescue, Savannah Fire Department, Pooler Fire-Rescue, and the 165th Airlift Wing Fire Department, responded to combat the blaze.
The aircraft, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, landed safely back at the Savannah airport around 7:12 p.m. Passengers deplaned normally at the gate, and no injuries were reported. Delta Air Lines confirmed the mechanical issue with the left engine and stated that customer and crew safety is their highest priority. The airline worked to reaccommodate affected travelers on alternate flights, with a replacement aircraft eventually completing the journey to Atlanta with a significant delay.
The grass fire, fueled by dry conditions and wind, spread across a portion of the airport grounds, leading to a temporary closure of airfield operations. Airport operations resumed approximately 50 minutes after the fire was brought under control. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the engine failure and the subsequent fire to determine the exact causes of the incident.
While the immediate situation was managed without injuries, the event caused considerable disruption and concern among passengers and onlookers. Videos shared on social media depicted large rings of fire burning alongside the runway, creating a thick orange haze in the sky. The FAA’s ongoing investigation is expected to provide further details on the mechanical failure and the extent of the damage caused by the engine malfunction and the resulting grass fire.
