A significant emergency response was triggered at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday when a Delta Air Lines flight faced reported issues with its landing gear, prompting the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to spring into action.
The aircraft in question, Delta Flight 1966, was an Airbus A321neo that had departed from San Juan. Onboard were 170 passengers, accompanied by two pilots and four flight attendants.
At approximately 4:45 p.m. local time, emergency services received alerts about the incoming plane potentially having “two flat front tires,” as confirmed by FDNY representatives to News Media.
A Delta Air Lines flight managed to land safely despite earlier concerns regarding its landing gear on Tuesday. (WNYW)
This report initiated an immediate “normal stand by second alarm” response from the FDNY, mobilizing a substantial contingent of 46 units and 141 fire and emergency medical services personnel to handle any unforeseen circumstances.
Delta told News Media there was only “some damage” to one tire and clarified that the tire never blew, but rather suffered from tread wear.
Delta Air Lines said the emergency response was “far more precautionary than needed.” (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images, File)
The airline noted the situation ended up being “far more precautionary than needed.”
After an assessment by the maintenance team, the aircraft was deemed suitable to continue, avoiding a taxiway tire replacement.
Delta confirmed there were 170 customers on board the aircraft, along with six crew members. (Aaron E. Martinez/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images, File)
The flight was given clearance to taxi normally to the gate under its own power.
FDNY officials said the plane safely reached the gate with no injuries reported, and the scene was declared under control by 5:06 p.m.
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