Overview
• Operator: Delta Air Lines
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A330-300
• Registration: N811NW
• Flight Number: DL-14
• Route: Atlanta (ATL) to Frankfurt (FRA)
• Date: 28 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None
• Nature of Incident: In-flight engine shutdown and return to departure airport
Incident Summary
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-300, operating flight DL-14 from Atlanta to Frankfurt, was climbing through 16,000 feet after departure from Runway 27R at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport when the crew reported a failure of the #2 (right-hand) engine (PW4168A).
The crew stopped the climb, declared an emergency, and initiated a return to Atlanta.
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 27R approximately 30 minutes after departure.
A replacement Airbus A330-300 (N859NW) was dispatched and successfully transported passengers to Frankfurt with a delay of approximately 5 hours.
The affected aircraft remains on the ground in Atlanta as of 16 hours after landing.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The aircraft departed from Runway 27R in Atlanta, climbing normally.
• No known issues were reported prior to departure.
Engine Shutdown Event:
• As the aircraft climbed through 16,000 feet, the crew reported a failure of the #2 (right-hand) engine (PW4168A).
• The engine was shut down in accordance with emergency procedures.
• The crew stabilized the aircraft, declared an emergency, and coordinated with air traffic control (ATC) for an immediate return.
Emergency Landing & Aftermath:
• The aircraft landed safely back on Runway 27R at Atlanta approximately 30 minutes after departure.
• Emergency services were on standby but were not required as the landing was uneventful.
• The aircraft taxied to the apron, where passengers were deplaned.
• A replacement A330-300 (N859NW) was dispatched, which successfully transported passengers to Frankfurt with a 5-hour delay.
Investigation & Findings
Possible Causes of Engine Shutdown:
While no official findings have been released, potential causes could include:
1. Mechanical failure of the Pratt & Whitney PW4168A engine (e.g., turbine or compressor issues).
2. Fuel system anomalies, leading to loss of power or flameout.
3. Oil system or lubrication failure, triggering automatic shutdown procedures.
4. Sensor or FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) malfunction, causing erroneous shutdown indications.
Ongoing Investigation & Maintenance Actions:
• The aircraft remains on the ground in Atlanta as of 16 hours post-incident, likely undergoing maintenance inspections and troubleshooting.
• Delta’s maintenance team and Airbus engineers are expected to conduct a thorough engine examination to determine the root cause.
• The FAA may review flight data and crew reports to assess contributing factors.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
For Airlines & Maintenance Teams:
• Conduct thorough engine diagnostics to identify any early warning signs of failure.
• Regularly monitor engine performance data to detect potential anomalies.
• Review historical maintenance logs for recurring issues with the PW4168A engine.
For Flight Crews:
• Ensure adherence to engine shutdown protocols to minimize risks during emergency returns.
• Maintain clear communication with ATC for optimal emergency handling.
• Conduct additional flight simulator training for engine-out scenarios in high-density airspace.
For Regulatory Authorities (FAA & NTSB):
• Review incident data to determine if further safety recommendations are required for PW4168A engines.
• Assess the reliability of in-service Airbus A330-300 powerplants for potential systemic issues.
Conclusion
This in-flight engine shutdown event underscores the importance of well-trained flight crews and effective emergency response protocols.
The Delta crew handled the situation professionally, following standard operating procedures to safely return to Atlanta.
The cause of the engine failure is under investigation, with maintenance teams conducting detailed inspections.
Passengers were successfully re-accommodated on a replacement aircraft, minimizing disruption to the flight schedule.
This incident reinforces the necessity of continuous engine monitoring, proactive maintenance, and rigorous pilot training for handling engine-out emergencies.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 1 March 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.”
