Passengers screamed 'turn around' as flames shot from Delta jet engine moments after takeoff

In a harrowing incident, passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight experienced moments of terror as flames erupted from one of the aircraft’s engines shortly after takeoff. The flight, originally destined for Atlanta, had to make an emergency return to São Paulo, Brazil, as frantic passengers urged the pilots to “turn around.”

The dramatic event unfolded on Delta Flight 104, an Airbus A330-300, which was carrying 272 passengers and 14 crew members. Shortly after departing from São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport on Sunday, the airline confirmed to Fox News Digital that a mechanical issue arose in the plane’s left engine.

Passenger-shot videos captured the alarming scene, with sparks and flames visibly shooting from the engine, illuminating the night as the aircraft climbed into the sky.

Amidst the chaos, cries of “Turn around!” echoed through the cabin, reflecting the urgency of the situation.

Flames and smoke from aircraft

Responding swiftly, the pilots declared an emergency, shut down the malfunctioning engine, and expertly guided the plane back to the airport. Thanks to their quick actions, all 286 individuals on board were able to land safely, averting a potential disaster.

Pilots declared an emergency, shut down the affected engine and circled back to the airport, landing safely shortly after departure.

Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) teams were standing by on the runway and video showed crew spraying down the aircraft. 

Emergency responders

Delta Flight 104 made an emergency return to São Paulo after flames erupted from an engine mid-climb. All 286 passengers and crew landed safely with no injuries. (Aline Correa de Araujo via Storyful)

Video from inside the cabin shows passengers erupting into cheers and applause, some shouting in relief after the aircraft came to a stop.

No injuries were reported. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration for additional information. 

Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-300 airplane

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-300 takes off from Amsterdam Airport (AMS) in the Netherlands. Delta is one of the three major American legacy carriers with its headquarters in Atlanta. (iStock)

Delta said the flight returned “following an indication of a mechanical issue with the aircraft’s left engine” and that the crew followed established procedures.

Passengers were taken back to the terminal and later rebooked.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority. We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels,” the airline said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

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