Delta Air Lines Jet Makes Emergency Landing in Milan After Engine Smoke During Takeoff

A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta was forced to make an emergency landing at Milan Malpensa Airport on Monday, July 16, after smoke began emitting from one of its engines during takeoff. The incident involved a 23-year-old Boeing 767-400, which had 234 passengers and crew members onboard.

Flight DL175, which was scheduled to depart Milan for Atlanta, was delayed by nearly an hour before taking off. Shortly after reaching an altitude of 3,000 feet, the crew observed smoke coming from the left-hand engine. This led them to enter a brief holding pattern before executing an “overweight landing” back at Malpensa.

Despite the emergency, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. However, the flight was canceled, and the aircraft remains on the ground in Milan more than 24 hours after its return.

According to The AV Herald, local emergency services reported that the left engine had failed during takeoff. Delta confirmed that the plane also experienced a bird strike during the initial climb. Additionally, there were reports of a possible tailstrike as the pilots attempted to get the aircraft airborne.

This incident adds to a series of recent mishaps involving Delta Air Lines at Milan Malpensa. In July 2023, a Delta Boeing 767 departing from Milan to New York JFK encountered a severe hailstorm shortly after takeoff. The storm caused significant damage to the aircraft, including punctures to the right-wing and radome, a cracked windshield, and damage to the engine fan blades.

The following month, in August 2023, another Delta flight, also operating as flight DL175 from Milan, encountered severe turbulence over the Atlantic. The turbulence resulted in injuries to 11 passengers out of 151 and 14 crew members, who required hospitalization upon landing.

In response to the latest incident, Delta Air Lines issued a statement: “Delta flight DL175 on Monday, July 16, from Milan to Atlanta experienced a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The aircraft returned safely to Milan’s Malpensa Airport, and passengers deplaned normally. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the efforts of our teams at MXP who worked to rebook customers to their final destinations.”

The incident highlights ongoing safety challenges and operational issues for Delta at Milan Malpensa, prompting concerns about the airline’s recent track record at this international hub.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, paddleyourownkanoo.com