Delta flight catches fire on runway after making emergency landing
Plane suffers mechanical problems shortly after take-off from Atlanta airport
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
![Head shot of Andrew Feinberg](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/andrew-feinberg.png)
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A Delta flight caught fire shortly after landing at an airport in Atlanta, the airline has confirmed.
The plane was on its way to Quito, Ecuador, but suffered a mechanical problem shortly after take-off from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and was forced to return. The Federal Aviation Authority said the brakes locked up upon landing.
Footage from a passenger on another flight showed the plane’s landing gear on fire.
“Plane on fire on the runway at Atlanta Airport,” Ronnie Fernando wrote on Twitter. “Speculation as to what it was… looked kinda significant.”
The plane, which had 199 people on board, was towed back to the gate where the blaze was extinguished.
Passengers continued to Quito on a different flight, the airline said.
A Delta spokesperson told The Independent: "Flight 673 landed safely after returning to Atlanta for a mechanical issue. Upon landing, flames were noted and quickly extinguished on one of the aircraft’s landing gears."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments