Foto: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP / Getty Images
A Delta Air Lines flight was forced to return to JFK Airport in New York City on Friday (April 26) because its emergency slide detached shortly after takeoff.
The pilots on Los Angeles-bound Flight 520 heard vibrations and banging noises about 15 minutes after takeoff. When the plane landed at JFK, crews determined that the emergency slide on the right wing of the Boeing 767 had fallen off.
"After the aircraft had safely landed and proceeded to a gate, it was observed that the emergency slide had separated from the aircraft," a Delta spokesperson said. "Delta is fully supporting retrieval efforts and will fully cooperate in investigations."
Officials do not know where the slide landed but believe it is likely in Jamaica Bay.
The plane was taken out of service, and the 176 passengers were booked on another flight to Los Angeles about three hours later.
"As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta flight crews enacted their extensive training and followed procedures to return to JFK," the spokesperson continued. "We appreciate their professionalism and our customers' patience for the delay in their travels."
Authorities have not said what caused the emergency slide to detach from the plane.