Delta Flight Delayed at Gatwick Due to Emergency Slide Deployment
On April 15, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 encountered a significant delay at London Gatwick Airport when its emergency evacuation slide was accidentally deployed, impacting its scheduled flight to New York JFK. The unusual incident caused the slide to land atop a nearby catering truck, fortunately without causing injuries or passenger disruption.
The aircraft, designated for the noon flight from Gatwick to JFK, suffered a delay of almost three hours as a result. This was due to the time required to replace the slide and ensure the plane was safe to continue its transatlantic journey. Images of the incident rapidly circulated on social media, highlighting the unexpected nature of the mishap.
Investigations are expected to follow as both Delta and aviation authorities seek to understand the cause of the accidental deployment. The airline has stated, "There were no reported injuries nor any operational impact beyond a delay on the return as the slide was replaced. The outbound flight from London Gatwick back to New York on DL62 had a resulting delay of two hours and forty-seven minutes."
The aircraft involved, a 26-year-old Boeing 767-300ER, is part of a fleet that includes several other aircraft of similar age and configuration. Delta operates a robust network connecting various U.S. cities to London, predominantly flying to Heathrow but also maintaining the Gatwick route.
Such incidents, while not uncommon, highlight the challenges and potential costs associated with airline operations. The accidental deployment of emergency equipment like slides can lead to costly delays and require thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that these mishaps cost the aviation industry around $20 million annually.