Last updated: 15. 1. 2020 18:43 CET
A Delta Airlines flight DL89 from Los Angeles to Shanghai was forced to turn back to Los Angeles due to engine issue on January 14th 2020. The plane with 181 people on board landed safely after dumping its fuel, which fell onto a wide area, including Park Avenue Elementary School, located 25 kilometers east of the airport. Multiple people, including at least 20 children, were treated for skin irritation from exposure to the jet fuel.
Delta Airlines said the fuel was released to allow the plane to land safely.
“Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return quickly to LAX. The aircraft landed safely after a release of fuel, which was required as part of normal procedure to reach a safe landing weight,” said Delta spokesperson in the statement.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.
“There are special fuel-dumping procedures for aircraft operating into and out of any major U.S. airport. These procedures call for fuel to be dumped over designated unpopulated areas, typically at higher altitudes so the fuel atomizes and disperses before it reaches the ground,” FAA said in a statement.