Boeing 757 N589NW accident near Atlanta, Georgia

Probable cause

Substantial injury to a passenger sustained during evacuation.

NTSB analysis

Delta Air Lines flight 2668, a Boeing 757-300, performed a rejected takeoff due to a failure of the number two (right) engine during takeoff from runway 9L at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). An emergency evacuation was initiated after the airplane stopped on the runway. One passenger sustained a serious injury, and seven passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.

The flight crew stated that after completing all required preflight briefings and checklists, they were pushed back from the gate and taxied to the Ramp 6 South de-ice pad. The aircraft received Type I and Type IV fluid treatments, but due to reaccumulated contaminants, the de-icing process had to be restarted. Following a second round of de-icing, both engines were shut down and inspected for ice. The de-ice crew confirmed the aircraft and engines were clear of contaminants, and the engines were restarted.

The aircraft then taxied to Runway 9L and was cleared for takeoff. The crew initiated takeoff, and at around 100 knots, the captain observed a directional control issue and decided to abort the takeoff. The First Officer notified air traffic control (ATC), and the aircraft was brought to a stop, and the parking brake was set. A public announcement was made for the passengers to remain seated.

After the airplane was stopped, the flight crew noted multiple engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) messages indicated a failure of the number two engine. The captain requested aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) assistance, and the flight crew initiated the engine failure checklist. During this time, an airport operations vehicle reported flames coming from the right engine, although there were no cockpit indications of an engine fire. Additionally, flight attendants were informed by passengers of a fire near the right engine.

While the crew continued the engine shut down checklist, flight attendants contacted the cockpit to report the visible fire on the wing. The captain then initiated the evacuation checklist and called for an evacuation. The cabin evacuation procedures were executed by the flight attendants, and the passengers and crew exited using the emergency slides. After evacuating the airplane, the passengers were grouped on both sides of the aircraft and waited for buses to return them to the terminal. Eight passengers reported minor injuries, and two of those were transported to the hospital for further examination. One was treated and released, and the other was diagnosed with a compression fracture to one of their vertebrae.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA25LA084 for the full record.