Delta Air Lines on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, encountered several harrowing minutes after a plane had to turn around due to smoke or haze in the cabin.
On Monday morning, Delta Flight 876 had to return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport due to “haze” inside the aircraft.
The flight crew followed proper protocols, declared an emergency for priority handling from air traffic control, and turned back to Atlanta after noticing the haze.
Upon landing on Runway 27, emergency slides were deployed to help passengers exit quickly.
In a statement, Delta said 94 passengers were on board the Boeing 717, which had just departed for Columbia, South Carolina, when the haze was detected. The pilots declared an emergency to ensure priority assistance from air traffic controllers.
Once on the ground, emergency slides were used for a fast evacuation. Delta spokesperson Samantha Moore Facteau confirmed via email that two passengers were treated by EMTs.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,” the airline said, adding an apology to passengers for the experience.
The Boeing 717 was carrying 94 passengers, two pilots, and three flight attendants. The two passengers treated by EMTs were released after being evaluated. Delta provided ground transportation and rebooking for affected customers, and a new flight to Columbia was arranged on another aircraft.Attach
The two passengers treated by EMTs were released after being evaluated. Delta provided ground transportation and rebooking for affected customers, and a new flight to Columbia was arranged on another aircraft.
How Many Airline Incidents Have Occurred in the U.S. This Year?
Here’s a list of notable airline and aviation incidents reported in the United States in 2025 up to today, February 25, 2025, based on available information:
- January 29, 2025 – Midair Collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C.
An American Airlines regional jet (PSA Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700) collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the airport. The crash occurred over the Potomac River, killing all 64 people on the jet and all 3 onboard the helicopter, totaling 67 fatalities. This was the deadliest U.S. aviation incident in nearly 24 years and the first fatal commercial airline crash in the U.S. in 16 years. - January 31, 2025 – Learjet Crash in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance as Med Jets Flight 056, crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport into the Castor Gardens neighborhood. All 6 people onboard perished, making it a fatal incident. - February 1, 2025 – Aircraft Tug Collision at O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois
An American Airlines plane struck an aircraft tug vehicle at O’Hare, critically injuring the 64-year-old driver. This was not a crash but a ground incident affecting airline operations. No passenger injuries were reported. - February 2, 2025 – United Airlines Engine Fire in Houston, Texas
A United Airlines plane experienced an engine fire during takeoff from George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to an engine issue. The flight aborted takeoff safely, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. - February 6, 2025 – Bering Air Crash in Nome, Alaska
Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, crashed over Norton Sound en route from Unalakleet to Nome. The wreckage was found the next day, confirming the deaths of all 10 people onboard, making it another fatal incident. - February 10, 2025 – Private Jet Crash in Scottsdale, Arizona
A private jet veered off the runway at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, killing the pilot and injuring 4 passengers. While not a commercial airline incident, it contributes to the year’s aviation accident tally. - February 12, 2025 – Navy Jet Crash in San Diego Bay, California
A Boeing EA-18G Growler Navy aircraft crashed into San Diego Bay during a training exercise. Both pilots ejected safely and were rescued, resulting in no fatalities. - February 19, 2025 – Midair Collision in Marana, Arizona
Two small planes, a Lancair and a Cessna 172, collided midair near Marana Regional Airport around 8:25 a.m. local time. At least one death was confirmed, though full casualty details are pending. This incident involved general aviation, not commercial airlines.
These incidents include both commercial airline and notable general aviation events. As of February 19, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 87 aviation accidents in the U.S., with 13 being fatal, resulting in at least 85 deaths. The February 19 Arizona collision may adjust these figures once fully reported. Investigations are ongoing for most of these incidents, with preliminary reports expected within 30 days and final reports taking 12-24 months.
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