CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Just one day after an American Airlines plane experienced an ’emergency’ midair and had to turn back around to the Charlotte airport, another plane had to return shortly after takeoff due to an issue.
Delta 3067 departed Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) at 10:16 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, headed for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta.
According to FlightAware, the Boeing 717-200 twin-jet was diverted and returned to the Charlotte airport at 10:47 a.m., arriving at the gate by 11:26 a.m.
The entire ordeal for the 71 passengers, two pilots, and three flight attendants, lasted about an hour and 25 minutes. Delta said an ’emergency’ was declared to get priority handling from air traffic control in Charlotte.
According to Mecklenburg County emergency recordings, Runway 36C was briefly shut down while the plane landed safely. CLT airport officials said the ‘alert’ was canceled upon landing.
Delta Airlines confirmed with Queen City News the plane returned due to a mechanical issue.
Following safety procedures, the flight crew of DL3067 returned to Charlotte after reporting a mechanical issue while en route to Atlanta. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans.
Delta Air Lines
Delta said customers will be re-accommodated on other flights to their final destinations.