ORLANDO, Fla. – Passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight were evacuated down emergency slides onto the tarmac at Orlando International Airport after one of the jet’s engines caught fire Monday morning, according to the airline and the Federal Aviation Authority. Delta Flight 1213, a regularly scheduled flight between Orlando and Atlanta, was taxiing to the runway when the incident happened, officials said. There were 282 people onboard – including 10 flight attendants and 2 pilots – onboard the flight, the FAA and Delta said. Delta Flight 1213 pushed back from the gate at MCO around 11:15 a.m. and was taxiing to the runway when one of the plane’s two engines apparently caught fire. Videos posted to social media showed flames and smoke appearing to come from one of the plane’s engines, as well as passengers evacuating the aircraft on the plane’s emergency slides.
In a statement, Delta said the flames were seen coming out of one of the engine’s tailpipes and that maintenance teams were taking a look at the aircraft. Passengers were taken back to the airport terminal to be booked on another aircraft en route to Atlanta. While no injuries were reported initially, a spokesperson for Orlando International Airport later confirmed that 3 people were transported with minor injuries. The FAA will investigate the crash. What they’re saying:
“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.” – Delta statement.
“Delta Air Lines Flight 1213 was pushing back from the gate for departure at Orlando International Airport around 11:15 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21, when an engine caught fire. Passengers evacuated the aircraft using slides. The Airbus A330 was headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The FAA will investigate.” – FAA statement.
About the Airbus A330 Aircraft
According to Delta’s website, the A330 aircraft holds a total of 282 seats, which means Monday’s flight was a full flight. It features eight emergency exits and eight restrooms. The aircraft is 208 feet; 11 inches long, 55 feet, 3 inches tall; has a wing span of 197 feet, 10 inches; and a cruising speed of 531 mph.
