Overview
• Operator: Delta Air Lines
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 717-200
• Registration: N942AT
• Flight Number: DL-876
• Route: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) to Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)
• Date: 24 February 2025
• Occupants: 94 passengers, 5 crew
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Haze/smoke in the cabin prompting emergency landing and evacuation
Incident Summary
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 717-200, operating flight DL-876 from Atlanta to Columbia, SC, was departing from runway 27R when the crew reported smoke or haze in the cabin during the initial climb at approximately 2,000 feet.
The flight crew donned oxygen masks, declared an emergency with air traffic control (ATC), and stopped their climb at 4,000 feet. They then requested immediate vectors to return to Atlanta, requesting that fire trucks be on standby at the runway.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 27L approximately 10 minutes after departure. The crew stopped on the runway, and as a precautionary measure, the aircraft was evacuated via emergency slides.
No injuries were reported among the 94 passengers and 5 crew members.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• Routine departure from Atlanta’s runway 27R, with no reported technical issues at takeoff.
In-flight Occurrence:
• While climbing through 2,000 feet, cabin crew noticed haze or smoke developing in the cabin.
• The flight crew donned oxygen masks and declared an emergency with ATC.
• Climb was stopped at 4,000 feet, and the crew requested immediate return to Atlanta.
Landing & Emergency Response:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 27L approximately 10 minutes after departure.
• Fire trucks were positioned at the runway in anticipation of a possible fire risk.
• The crew ordered an emergency evacuation via slides as a precaution.
• Emergency responders inspected the aircraft but did not immediately report visible flames or a confirmed fire source.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The cause of the smoke or haze in the cabin is under investigation, with possible causes including:
• Electrical system fault leading to overheated components.
• Air conditioning pack failure, which can cause smoke or fumes from engine bleed air contamination.
• Burning insulation or wiring within the avionics or cabin systems.
• The aircraft will undergo detailed inspection and maintenance checks before returning to service.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Immediate crew response was crucial in ensuring passenger safety. Donning oxygen masks and declaring an emergency allowed for a timely return and controlled evacuation.
• Cabin smoke or haze requires urgent response, as it can indicate an electrical fault, air system contamination, or hidden fire.
• Airlines should reinforce training on smoke and fumes procedures, ensuring crew members can swiftly diagnose and respond to cabin air quality emergencies.
• The FAA and Delta Air Lines maintenance teams will likely conduct further assessments on the Boeing 717-200 fleet, particularly related to electrical and air conditioning systems, if a common issue is suspected.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 24 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
