Jan 15, 2020

FAA investigating Delta jet fuel-dumping on schoolkids

Posted Jan 15, 2020 11:19 AM

By STEFANIE DAZIO-Associated Press

CUDAHY, Calif.-Federal authorities will investigate why an airliner with engine trouble dumped jet fuel over a densely populated area of Southern California while making an emergency return, dousing dozens of schoolchildren in a smelly vapor.

Delta Air Lines Flight 89 to Shanghai turned back to Los Angeles International Airport only minutes after taking off Tuesday. The pilot reported a stalled engine compressor, which can reduce thrust.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it will investigate. The agency says procedures call for fuel-dumping over unpopulated areas. But an aerospace consultant says the pilot can deviate from those rules for safety reasons.