Delta Airlines’ Emergency Landing After Fallen Slide on Boeing 767-300ER from JFK to LAX

A Boeing 767 passenger aircraft belonging to Delta Airlines returned to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and made an emergency landing on Friday after a slide used for emergencies fell off the right side of the plane during its flight from JFK to Los Angeles, according to reports by news outlets including FOX 11 Los Angeles.
The incident occurred shortly after takeoff when pilots received alerts about the missing emergency slide and heard an unusual noise coming from that area of the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which was manufactured in 1990. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed this information, stating that the crew reported a vibration as well.
As per Delta Airlines’ statement on Friday night, following the unusual sounds and alerts, the flight crew declared an emergency with air traffic control to receive priority clearance back to JFK Airport. The aircraft safely landed at its departure point under its own power, carrying 176 passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants.
Delta Airlines assured that it is cooperating fully in retrieval efforts and investigations into the incident while emphasizing its commitment towards safety measures for customers’ well-being as well as staff members’. The airline also acknowledged the professionalism of their crew during this situation and expressed gratitude to passengers who remained patient amidst delays caused by emergency landing procedures.
The FAA will conduct an investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident in line with regulatory frameworks associated with aerial accidents involving aviation agencies operating within its jurisdiction, as per standard protocols for such events.