Overview
- The Boeing 737-900 declared an emergency shortly after a 6:45 p.m. takeoff and landed back at Savannah at 7:12 p.m. with no injuries reported.
- Air traffic control audio captured the crew reporting a lost left engine and controllers noting grass along the left side of the airfield was on fire.
- The airfield briefly closed while the 165th Airlift Wing, Savannah Fire, Pooler Fire and Garden City crews extinguished the blaze before operations resumed about 50 minutes later.
- Delta said 179 customers deplaned at the gate and the airline is reaccommodating travelers on alternate flights.
- High winds were reported up to 59 mph that evening, and officials say the exact ignition cause remains under investigation.