Delta flight 520, headed to Los Angeles, California, had to turn back to JFK International Airport in New York City due to an emergency equipment malfunction. The flight had been in the air for 33 minutes before the emergency was declared. The aircraft landed safely at 8:35 a.m. but upon inspection, it was discovered that the emergency slide had detached from the plane.
Pilots reported hearing unusual sounds before deciding to return to JFK airport. The safety of the passengers and crew is paramount, and Delta commended their professionalism in handling the situation. The 176 passengers and seven crew members were accommodated on another flight that departed around 10:59 a.m.
This is not the first incident involving Flight 520, as back in June 2023, the plane had to make an unscheduled stop in Utah due to technical difficulties, resulting in a crew member being injured by a deployed air slide. The aircraft has also faced issues with the engine, cracked windshield, and smoke in the cockpit.
Aircraft typically have a service lifespan of up to 30 years before retirement. Once retired, planes are stored in open-air sites in the desert in states like Texas, New Mexico, California, or Arizona.
