Tense moments arose at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday when a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Bogota experienced a malfunction right before takeoff. The Boeing 757 aircraft lost a nose wheel while taxiing on the runway, as FOX 5 Atlanta reported. The wheel was seen detaching and rolling off the runway, eventually coming to a rest down an embankment.
"The 75 on the runway just lost the nose tire," a pilot from another aircraft described over the radio, as heard in audio posted by VASAviation. In response to the unfolding scenario, the Delta Boeing's pilot acknowledged the situation, saying, "Thanks for that ... sounds like we got a problem." The aircraft was subsequently stuck on the tarmac for about three hours while it awaited a tow, causing other planes' departures to be delayed or rerouted.
A statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta from the FAA confirmed the incident, noting, "Delta Air Lines Flight 982 lost a nose wheel while preparing for takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport around 11:15 a.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 20." The passengers were safely deplaned and transported back to the terminal, while the FAA announced that an investigation would take place.
Delta Air Lines released a statement about the mishap, addressing the inconvenience caused. "Delta Flight 982 ATL/BOG was taxiing for departure when a nose wheel tire came loose from the gear. All customers and their bags were transferred to the gate and onto a replacement aircraft. We apologize to our customers for inconvenience. The aircraft was removed from service for repairs," the airline said. At the time of the incident, requests for comment from both Boeing and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport were directed towards the airline by Daily Express US.
The disruption necessitated discussions involving pilots and air traffic control about summoning a "tug" - a maintenance and repair crew. This resulted in several other aircraft being ordered to wait behind the disabled plane, which then led to the rerouting of those affected to alternate runways. Despite the complications, there were no immediate reports of injuries from the incident.
