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Delta Flight Returns to Gate After Passenger Is Soaked by Deicing Fluid

Delta says the incident was a rare deicing leak with non-hazardous fluid.

Overview

  • The episode occurred Jan. 18 on Delta flight 1307 from New York’s LaGuardia to Jacksonville, Florida.
  • Air traffic control audio captured the pilot requesting a return to the gate after deicing fluid leaked into the cabin and soaked a passenger.
  • FlightAware data show the departure around 5:22 p.m., roughly three hours late, after the airline swapped the aircraft for maintenance.
  • Delta said the passenger, seated near the wing, was not injured and continued traveling after changing clothes.
  • Aviation reporting points to overspray forcing fluid past door seals during high‑pressure deicing; the fluid typically contains propylene glycol, which the CDC says can irritate skin with frequent or repeated exposure.