Delta’s Engine Overhaul After Toxic Smoke Incidents
Delta Airlines is set to replace numerous engine components in its fleet following incidents where toxic smoke infiltrated the cockpit and cabin, leading to brain damage among some crew members and passengers.
As part of a safety initiative that started in 2022, Delta has confirmed it will swap out auxiliary power units on over 300 Airbus A320 aircraft. This effort aims for a replacement rate exceeding 90% for engines that support essential systems like air conditioning and electrical services.
This decision comes against a backdrop of increasing reports to the Federal Aviation Administration, detailing how engine malfunctions could allow smoke to penetrate cockpit and cabin areas.
Cases have surged, particularly involving the widely utilized A320 model, which has been highlighted in various publications. For example, one Delta flight heading to South Carolina had to divert to Atlanta after thick smoke emerged through an overhead vent.
In that chaotic moment, passengers were urged to “breathe through your clothes, keep it low” as the pilot declared an emergency.
Another alarming incident involved JetBlue flight attendant Florence Chesson, who suffered considerable health issues, including traumatic brain damage and permanent nerve damage after inhaling smoke during a flight to Puerto Rico. She described an overwhelming experience, feeling as if she were on drugs while witnessing fellow crew members collapsing and becoming sick. Both she and her colleague were rushed to the hospital upon landing.
Chae Sung, another affected flight attendant, recounted her confusion and fear after the incident, likening her experience to someone setting a fire. Her neurologist, Dr. Robert Kanyecki, noted that the damage resembled that of a chemical concussion, akin to injuries sustained by athletes in contact sports.
Dr. Kanyecki has treated over 100 flight attendants and 12 pilots over two decades for health issues linked to toxic smoke exposure, noting that repeated incidents resemble “microconcussions.” This consistent exposure raises significant health concerns, emphasizing that the cumulative effects can lead to severe consequences.
Also weighing in, Dr. Robert Harrison from the University of California, San Francisco, has treated more than 100 crew members for similar injuries, asserting the seriousness of these incidents.
While some airline executives, like United’s Scott Kirby, claim to have systems in place to monitor and manage engine issues, Delta’s spokesman reiterated the rarity of smoke occurrences in aircraft cabins. However, Delta has not provided additional details on the replacement initiative.
In summary, this overhaul represents a critical step for Delta in addressing ongoing safety concerns and protecting the health of its crew and passengers.
