A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 experienced a partial wing flap failure during a flight from Orlando to Austin on August 19, 2025, leading to a safe landing and an ongoing FAA investigation. No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised safety concerns and prompted a federal investigation.
Who: The incident involved Delta Air Lines Flight 1893, which had 62 passengers and 6 crew members on board. Passengers, including Shanila Arif who recorded video evidence, noticed the damage mid-flight and alerted others, while the airline and FAA are now involved in the response.
What: A portion of the left wing’s flap, which is a critical surface used for takeoff and landing to control lift and drag, partially broke off during the flight. The flap was seen dangling from the wing, causing visible damage and concern among those on board, but the aircraft remained operable and landed without further incident.
When: The event occurred on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during the flight. The damage was noticed by passengers mid-flight, and the plane landed safely at its destination. The news was reported publicly on August 20, 2025, leading to immediate media coverage and regulatory attention.
Where: The flight was en route from Orlando International Airport in Florida to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. The incident happened in airspace over the United States, and the aircraft landed in Austin where it was inspected and taken out of service.
Why: The cause of the flap failure is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Initial reports suggest it could be due to mechanical failure or maintenance issues, but no definitive cause has been identified yet. Delta Air Lines has pledged full cooperation with the investigation to determine the root cause.
How: Passengers first felt unusual turbulence and shaking, which prompted them to look out the windows and discover the damaged flap. Video evidence captured the flap dangling precariously. The flight crew was notified, and the plane continued to its destination where it landed safely. After landing, ground inspections confirmed the damage, and the aircraft was immediately grounded for maintenance.
Impact: The immediate impact was no injuries or fatalities, but the incident caused significant anxiety among passengers and has led to the aircraft being taken out of service. It has also sparked broader concerns about aviation safety, particularly regarding Boeing 737 models, and may affect Delta’s operations and reputation temporarily.
What’s Next: The FAA investigation will focus on determining the cause of the failure and whether any regulatory actions or safety advisories are needed. Delta Air Lines will conduct its own internal review and maintenance checks on similar aircraft. Depending on the findings, there could be implications for airline safety protocols or fleet inspections across the industry.