Delta to Pay $78.75 Million in Settlement Over 2020 Fuel Dump Incident

Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $78.75 million to settle a class action lawsuit stemming from a 2020 fuel dump that contaminated tens of thousands of properties across Los Angeles and Orange counties. The proposed settlement, filed this week in Los Angeles federal court, still requires a judge’s approval.

The case centers on Delta Flight 89, a Boeing 777 bound for Shanghai with 167 passengers and crew. Shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport on January 14, 2020, the aircraft experienced an engine problem that prompted pilots to jettison approximately 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg) of jet fuel before making an emergency return.

Instead of dispersing fuel at a higher altitude or over the Pacific Ocean, the fuel was released at a low altitude over densely populated neighborhoods, showering homes, schools, and businesses. Dozens of people, including children, reported minor injuries, and residents demanded that Delta be held accountable for cleanup and damages.

Property owners argued the fuel dump was avoidable and negligent, while Delta maintained that its crew followed strict federal protocols. The airline said the pilots and cabin crew “did exactly what federal regulations and their FAA-approved training required them to do to respond to that in-flight emergency and ensure the safety of the passengers, crew, and people on the ground.”

A subsequent FAA investigation cleared the pilots of wrongdoing, supporting Delta’s defense. Nonetheless, the airline said it chose to settle in order to avoid “the uncertainty, distraction, and cost of litigation.”

Under the terms of the settlement, net payments after legal fees and costs could total $50.6 million, which would be distributed to owners and residents of an estimated 38,000 affected properties.

Filippo Marchino, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, called the outcome fair and reasonable, adding that the agreement compensates “hard-working families who asked only for respect and just treatment and rightly deserve this result.”

The case is titled In re Delta Air Lines Inc, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 20-00786.

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