A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-300 was evacuated via emergency slides in Orlando after a fire broke out in its right-hand engine today.
Flight DL1213 was preparing to depart to Atlanta when the ground fire incident occurred on 21 April, around 11.00am local time.
Delta Air Lines Flight DL1213 Engine Fire
Delta Air Lines flight DL1213, an Airbus A330-300, operating as Flight 1213, was preparing for a departure from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The flight was a scheduled service bound for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The aircraft, registered N807NW, was carrying 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and 2 pilots, totaling 294 people on board.
Flames were visible in the tailpipe of the number 2 (right-hand) engine shortly after the aircraft pushed back from the gate. The fire, which occurred on engine start-up, reportedly burnt one of the right side flap track fairings.
From the tarmac hard standing area, flight crew initiated an emergency evacuation, with passengers exiting via emergency slides on the left side of the aircraft.
The airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting team responded to the incident, extinguishing the fire. No injuries were reported as a result of the emergency disembarkation.
Video footage circulating on social media showed flames and black smoke billowing from the right engine. Although the fire extinguished shortly thereafter, passengers evacuated onto the tarmac as a precaution.
Delta confirmed the evacuation was executed per safety procedures. The airline worked to arrange a replacement aircraft to transport passengers to Atlanta. The airline issued an apology and noted that passengers were provided food and beverages while awaiting alternative travel arrangements.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft conducting the DL1213 service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was an Airbus A330-300, registered N807NW. This is a 21.1 year old widebody aircraft belonging to the carrier Delta Air Lines.
It has been in operational service with the airline since October 2008.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the cause of the fire.
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