A Delta Air Lines plane made an emergency landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Wednesday morning without its landing gear extended, according to the airline. Delta flight 1092, a Boeing 717 aircraft, had departed from Atlanta at 7:25 a.m. and was en route to Charlotte when the incident occurred.
The plane landed with its nose gear in the “up” position, but the airline confirmed that the aircraft came to a safe stop on the runway. There were a total of 96 passengers, along with two pilots and three flight attendants, on board the flight.
Passengers and crew members were able to safely deplane using an emergency slide and were then transported to the terminal by bus. Delta officials are currently working with Charlotte airport officials to move the plane from the runway.
In a statement, Delta emphasized the importance of passenger and crew safety, stating that their flight crews are extensively trained to handle various scenarios. They also confirmed that there were no reported injuries and that their focus now is on taking care of the affected customers, including retrieving their bags and ensuring their safe transportation to their final destinations. Delta apologized to the customers for the inconvenience they experienced.
The runway where the plane landed was closed until approximately 7 p.m. to allow for the removal and inspection of the aircraft. Charlotte Douglas officials advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for updates on their flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Passengers who were on the flight gathered at Gate A1 upon arrival at the airport. Many of them expressed their gratitude for the calmness displayed by the pilot during the emergency landing. Some passengers even mentioned that the landing felt smoother than a normal landing.
One viewer shared a video with Channel 9, showing the plane’s shadow during the landing, clearly indicating that the nose gear was not extended. Despite the tense situation, passengers braced for impact and applauded once the plane landed safely.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and the training that flight crews undergo to handle emergencies. Delta Air Lines and Charlotte Douglas International Airport are working together to ensure the smooth handling of the situation and the well-being of the affected passengers.
