NTSB A Delta Air Lines flight that was forced to return to the airport after filling with smoke during takeoff had no oil in one of its engines. The February incident involved Flight 876, a Boeing 717-200 en route from Atlanta to Columbia, South Carolina.
On the morning of February 24, the flight departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with 99 people on board, including passengers and crew. Shortly after takeoff, cabin crew began noticing smoke emerging from multiple vents throughout the aircraft.
According to the NTSB’s early findings, one flight attendant located at the rear of the aircraft stated that smoke was coming “out of all the vents.” Another crew member positioned of dense smoke rapidly escalated into a potentially dangerous situation for everyone on board.
The pilots, focused on maintaining control of the aircraft and declaring an emergency with air traffic controllers, initially delayed responding to the crew in the cabin.
While the aircraft was turning back toward the airport, the cockpit systems issued a warning indicating low oil pressure in the right engine. In response, the flight crew made the decision to shut down that engine, which was later identified in the report as having no visible oil on its gauge in the oil reservoir. The shutdown was a critical precautionary move as the crew prepared for an emergency landing.
As the situation unfolded, the smoke’s intensity and the necessity for facemasks affected the crew’s ability to see clearly. The pilots requested a change in landing runways to accommodate their limited visibility. Upon landing, the aircraft was stopped on the runway, and emergency evacuation procedures were initiated.
The emergency slides were deployed, and all 99 occupants exited the aircraft. Firefighters and first responders were on site to assist, and the airport resumed normal operations shortly after the incident.
The NTSB’s preliminary assessment focused on the oil system in the right engine, revealing that there was no visible oil when checked post-incident. This finding may prove significant as investigators continue examining the cause of the smoke that engulfed the aircraft. However, officials noted that the final determination of what caused the smoke—and how the oil issue may have contributed—will not be concluded until the full investigation is complete. This final report is expected to be released in approximately one year, which is standard for such cases.
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 717-200, is commonly used for short-haul domestic flights and has a generally reliable safety record. However, the combination of smoke in the cabin and a potential engine oil issue has raised questions about the chain of events that led to the emergency.
Delta Air Lines, in a statement following the incident, said the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority. “We are cooperating fully with the ongoing NTSB investigation and will continue to support efforts to understand exactly what happened on Flight 876,” the airline said. They also confirmed that the aircraft had undergone routine maintenance and inspections prior to the flight.
Some recalled being disoriented by the smoke and confused about what was happening until the aircraft came to a stop and instructions were given to evacuate.
“I was sitting toward the middle of the plane, and I couldn’t see anything in front of me because of the smoke,” one passenger recounted. When we landed and those slides popped out, everyone just wanted to get off as quickly as possible.”
The incident is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny into inflight mechanical issues, particularly those involving engine performance and maintenance practices. Aviation experts say that while smoke in the cabin is relatively rare, it is among the most serious in-flight emergencies due to its potential to impair visibility, breathing, and decision-making by both crew and passengers.
The NTSB emphasized that while the absence of oil in the engine’s reservoir is a concerning finding, it is too early to draw firm conclusions about whether it directly caused the smoke or contributed in some other way to the emergency. Other components, such as possible oil leaks, overheating systems, or electrical malfunctions, are also being examined as part of the investigation.
Industry analysts noted that the incident underscores the importance of emergency training for flight crews, particularly in responding to smoke and fire scenarios. “The crew’s ability to stay composed, manage the emergency, and get everyone on the ground safely is a testament to the rigorous training flight crews undergo,” said aviation consultant Mariah Kelley. “Still, an event like this shows why constant vigilance and thorough maintenance are so crucial.”
As the NTSB’s investigation proceeds, both Delta and Boeing are expected to review their internal procedures and maintenance protocols related to engine oil monitoring and inflight emergency response. Meanwhile, passengers who were on board Flight 876 await more definitive answers about what exactly happened during those tense moments in the sky.
Until the final report is released, the aviation community will continue to watch closely, not only for the outcome of the investigation but for any recommendations or systemic changes that may emerge from it. The findings could influence future protocols across the industry aimed at preventing similar incidents and ensuring even higher levels of passenger safety.