On the 10th of June 2023, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 was forced to divert to Salt Lake City following a maintenance issue. However, while the aircraft was preparing for departure out of Salt Lake City, an evacuation slide was accidentally deployed inside the cabin causing injuries to a cabin crew.
The Boeing 767-300 with registration N189DN was performing flight DL520 from New York JFK to Los Angeles with 168 passengers on board. However, while it was cruising at FL380 about 160nm east of Salt Lake City, the crew initiated a diversion to Salt Lake City.
The crew decided to divert due to problems with a temperature sensor needed for icing conditions, as reported by the Aviation Herald. Flight DL520 safely landed in Salt Lake City without incident and the passengers were disembarked while the issue was fixed.
“Delta flight 520, operating from New York-JFK to Los Angeles diverted to Salt Lake City due to a maintenance issue.”
Delta Air Lines Spokesperson
Evacuation Slide Deployment
After the issue with the sensor was fixed, passengers were allowed to board the aircraft again. However, after the boarding was completed and the aircraft was preparing for departure, one of the evacuation slides was accidentally deployed inside the aircraft.
The evacuation slide was reportedly deployed as the cabin crew went to arm the doors for departure. As a result, the flight attendant was injured and had to be transported to the hospital. None of the passengers were injured and the injured cabin crew was discharged the same day.
“While on the ground, the same aircraft’s slide was deployed by accident. In an effort to get our customers to their final destination as quickly and safely as possible, they have been re-accommodated on a new aircraft. We apologize for the delay to their traveling plans. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people.”
Delta Air Lines Spokesperson
Following the incident, passengers were re-accommodated on a replacement Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with registration N390DA. They reached Los Angeles at 5 PM local time.
Passengers were reportedly offered 7,500 SkyMiles by the airline for the inconvenience.
Feature Image via FL360aero (Twitter)
Safety is of utmost importance in aviation, and it’s unfortunate to hear about the incident involving the Boeing 767. The crew’s decision to divert to Salt Lake City due to a maintenance issue shows their commitment to passenger well-being. Although an accidental deployment of the evacuation slide caused injuries to a cabin crew member, we hope they receive the necessary care.