Engine Failure on Delta B739 Triggers Large Fire| Savannah Airport Closure

On February 22, 2026, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900 (registration N942DZ) operating Flight DL-1067 from Savannah to Atlanta experienced a left engine (CFM56) failure shortly after takeoff from Runway 28 at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The tower observed flames, and the crew declared an emergency while climbing to 3,000 feet before returning for landing. The engine failure caused sparks that ignited a grass fire beside the runway, which emergency crews extinguished within 15 minutes.

Accident Facts

The aircraft landed safely about 25 minutes after departure, with both engines shut down and no fire warnings or smoke reported in the cabin or cockpit. All 179 passengers and 6 crew members were unharmed, and the FAA announced an investigation. A replacement aircraft later transported passengers to Atlanta with a delay of approximately nine hours