Jet flames sparked by engine failure and fuel leak - investigators

A passenger jet incident which saw flames shoot from a wing was sparked by a "contained engine failure leading to a fuel leak", air accident investigators have said.

Last February's Delta Airlines flight DAL209 from Edinburgh to New York was diverted to Prestwick where it made an emergency landing.

Footage emerged at the time on social media of flames around the aircraft's wing.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has now confirmed a high-pressure turbine blade had fractured in the jet's right engine.

The blade damaged a further five blades, causing significant engine vibration.

This led to a fracture in the wing which allowed fuel to escape from the right wing fuel tank, the investigators said.

The official AAIB report into the incident says: "Due to the high engine vibration, the flight crew diverted the aircraft to Prestwick Airport.

"During the diversion, fuel escaping from the wing was ignited by the hot engine exhaust, and this was recorded on video by a passenger, but the flames extinguished before the landing."

The aircraft "landed promptly" at Prestwick, the report says, where it was met by full emergency service teams.

It adds: "After the aircraft arrived on stand, the airport fire service noticed the fuel coming from the right wing and put provisions in place to capture the fuel, preventing it igniting on the hot engine or brakes.

"The passengers were rapidly disembarked, with no injuries."

The AAIB said a safety recommendation had now been made to the Boeing Aircraft Company following the conclusion of the investigation.

It requires the company to ensure it continues to comply with the certification requirements for large transport aircraft.