News Summary
A wing flap from a Delta Airlines Boeing 737-900 fell into a residential driveway in Raleigh after Delta Flight 3247 landed safely at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The incident involved no injuries or property damage, and the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the matter. Delta Airlines is cooperating with the authorities as safety checks and aircraft maintenance practices are scrutinized.
Raleigh, North Carolina – A piece of an aircraft wing belonging to Delta Airlines fell into a residential driveway in Raleigh on Wednesday morning, following the safe landing of Delta Flight 3247 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport the night before. The object was confirmed to have originated from the left wing of a Boeing 737-900 and was reported by a homeowner who found it blocking their driveway.
The flight, which had departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, encountered delays due to thunderstorms but ultimately landed at its destination around 11:00 PM on Tuesday. Following the landing, it was noted that a portion of the left wing’s trailing edge flap was missing, an important component utilized by aircraft for slowing down during takeoff and landing.
Upon the discovery of the wing flap in the driveway, a 911 call was placed the next morning, prompting a swift response from the Raleigh Police Department (RPD). RPD officials contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate the object, leading to a confirmation that it was indeed a piece from Delta Flight 3247 after an inspection.
There were a total of six crew members and 109 passengers aboard the flight. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or property damage associated with the incident. Delta Airlines has indicated that safety remains their top priority and has committed to supporting the retrieval efforts and cooperating with the ongoing investigations. Although the missing wing flap was not detected until after the aircraft had landed safely, the FAA has taken over the investigation from the residential location where the flap was discovered.
The flap plays a crucial role in aircraft operations, particularly during critical phases like takeoff and landing. However, it was clarified that the absence of the wing component did not affect the safety of the plane during its landing. At the time of the incident, there were no records of any airplane crash reported in Raleigh, further assuring residents of the incident’s isolated nature.
This unusual occurrence highlights the complexities and risks associated with aviation operations, even when flights land safely. The FAA’s involvement underscores the regulatory oversight and safety protocols that govern aviation incidents to ensure that such occurrences are thoroughly examined and any necessary improvements are implemented.
Delta Airlines is expected to report further findings as the investigation progresses. The discovery of the wing flap serves as a reminder of the importance of aircraft maintenance and safety checks, which remain crucial in preventing potential hazards associated with air travel.
As the situation unfolds, residents and airline passengers alike are urged to stay informed, ensuring awareness of aviation safety measures and protocols that continue to evolve in response to incidents like this one.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Delta Air Lines
- ABC 11 News
- Google Search: aircraft safety investigation
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: aviation safety protocols
- New York Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: airplane wing flap
- WRAL News
- Google News: Delta Flight 3247
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
