A Delta Boeing 757 bound for Jacksonville returned to Atlanta on Sunday afternoon after pilots detected an engine problem shortly after takeoff. The aircraft landed safely with 191 passengers and six crew aboard.
Flight DL2627 departed Gate B22 at 4:22 PM EST on December 28, 2025. The jet took off at 4:42 PM and continued climbing until 4:48 PM, when the crew identified the problem and informed air traffic control.
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Aircraft Holds for 33 Minutes Before Landing
The Boeing 757-200 reached approximately 10,975 feet before pilots levelled off and turned northeast over Georgia. FlightAware tracking data shows the aircraft circled for 33 minutes before beginning its descent.
Engine-related precautionary returns occur regularly in commercial aviation when flight crews detect irregularities during operations. Pilots follow established protocols to assess the situation and coordinate with controllers.
Departed Gate B22
Boeing 757-200 pushed back with 191 passengers and 6 crew aboard.
On ScheduleTakeoff from Atlanta
Aircraft departed Hartsfield-Jackson bound for Jacksonville.
Normal⚠️ Engine Problem Detected
Crew identified engine irregularity at 10,975 feet. ATC notified immediately.
Critical AlertLanded Safely in Atlanta
Aircraft touched down after circling for 33 minutes. Fire crews on standby.
Safe LandingArrived at Gate A3
All passengers and crew disembarked safely. No injuries reported.
ResolvedFire crews stood ready as a precaution. The aircraft taxied to Gate A3.
Passengers Travel on Different Aircraft
Delta rebooked passengers on a replacement Boeing 757 that departed at 9:44 PM. According to Atlanta News First, the airline issued this statement:
As the safety of our customers and our people is of the utmost importance, the flight crew of Delta flight DL2627 followed procedures to return to Atlanta after they observed an issue with one of the aircraft’s engines. The flight landed safely in Atlanta, and we sincerely apologise to our customers for the delay in their travels.
The airline did not disclose what caused the problem. Aviation authorities did not open an investigation, WSB-TV reported.
Engineers Inspect Engine Systems
The Boeing 757-200, registered N823DX, has operated in Delta’s fleet since 2004. The aircraft type maintains a 99.98% dispatch reliability rate. Engineers began inspecting the engine after the jet reached the gate.
Aircraft involved in precautionary returns undergo checks of affected systems before receiving clearance to fly. The inspection process can take several hours to multiple days depending on findings.
FlightRadar24 data confirms a different Boeing 757, registered N6716C, carried passengers to Jacksonville that evening. The Atlanta to Jacksonville route operates multiple daily services and resumed normal schedules the following morning. The 271-mile flight typically takes just over an hour under standard conditions.
