A scary situation for some Delta Air Lines passengers occurred earlier today at Orlando International Airport (MCO) as a Delta Airbus A330 caught fire.
Videos posted to X by user @dylangwall appear to show fire coming out of the starboard engine of a Delta Airbus A330-300 upon start up after being pushed away from the gate.
The incident occurred at 11:06a local time when passengers onboard Delta Flight 1213 between Orlando and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) were forced to deplane using emergency slides on the tarmac after flames were reported in the tailpipe of the engine.
At least one evacuation slide on the aircraft did not deploy properly. As you can see in the video, the slide attached to the left rear door is hanging, partially deployed. The aircraft involved is a 21 year old A330, registration N807NW, that was first delivered to Northwest Airlines.
According to Delta, there were 282 passengers and 12 crew aboard the aircraft. All safety procedures were followed in the evacuation of the aircraft and maintenance teams will examine the aircraft.
All passengers have returned to the terminal building and Delta will bring in additional aircraft to get customers to their final destination today. No injuries have been reported at this time.
The incident, which was first reported by the FL360aero page on X, incorrectly indicated that the plane was headed for Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
In a statement provided to ATX Jetsetter, a Delta representative stated:
“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience. Nothing is more important than safety and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible.”
This incident comes a week after an American Airlines flight deployed its slides while parked at the gate at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) due to smoke in the cabin.
Summary
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-300 bound for Atlanta caught fire upon start up earlier today at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Fire and rescue crews responded and passengers deplaned via emergency slides. There is no word yet on injuries however, early reports appear to indicate that the aircraft was evacuated safely.
Wow! Hopefully no injuries or only very minor ones.
Why in the hell are they running a widebody between ATL and MCO??
Appears to be an aircraft swap. Flight is regularly operated by a Boeing 757-200.
Happens to MCO/FLL/MIA regularly. (MCO the most) spring Break/Easter weekend demand is there for widebody.