An Airbus A330-300 aircraft belonging to Delta Air Lines experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff in São Paulo. While 288 passengers were safely evacuated after the emergency landing, the incident caused disruptions at the airport.
Emergency Situation Minutes After Takeoff
The aircraft, flight number DL104, belonging to Delta Air Lines, experienced a serious engine failure shortly after taking off from Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, Brazil. The aircraft declared an emergency and returned to the airport.
Flames and Explosions Caused Panic
During the malfunction on the Airbus A330-300, flames were reported rising from the left engine and explosion sounds were heard. Witnesses stated that engine parts scattered around the runway and caused a fire in the grassy area.
288 Passengers Safely Evacuated
The 288 passengers on board the aircraft registered N813NW were safely evacuated after the emergency landing. No casualties or injuries were reported, and passengers were directed to the terminal.
Critical Warning from Air Traffic Control
After takeoff, air traffic control quickly warned the aircraft crew. Following the announcement from the control tower stating “there is a fire on your wing,” the pilots initiated emergency landing procedures. The aircraft stopped its climb at approximately 4,500 feet and decided to return.
Single Runway Usage Complicated Operations
During the incident, runway 10R/28L at the airport was closed due to maintenance. Therefore, the aircraft had to make an emergency landing on runway 10L, the only active runway used for takeoff. Due to metal debris on the runway and the resulting fire, airport operations were temporarily suspended, and many flights were affected.
Technical Details and Possible Causes
The Airbus A330-300 in question is equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4168A engines. Experts suggest that the failure may have been caused by foreign object damage (FOD) or a bird strike. It was stated that the aircraft’s automatic fire suppression systems were activated against the engine fire.
Regional Impact and Investigation Launched
The incident at Guarulhos Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in South America, caused disruptions in regional air traffic. Following the event, which also raised concern among residents living near the flight paths, an investigation was launched.
Delta Air Lines has initiated efforts to rebook passengers and conduct a technical inspection of the aircraft, while it was announced that the investigation will be carried out by the Brazilian Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA).
Alevler Pistlere Düştü! Delta Uçağı Sao Paulo’da Acil İniş Yaptı
Delta Air Lines’a ait Airbus A330-300 uçağı, São Paulo’da kalkış sonrası motor arızası yaşadı. 288 yolcu acil iniş sonrası güvenle tahliye edilirken olay havalimanında aksamalara yol açtı.#DeltaAirLines pic.twitter.com/SpKjKvNryS
— Mevlüt Zor (@mevlutzor) March 31, 2026
