Delta flight passengers evacuated due to thick smoke during takeoff

In February 2025, a critical incident occurred aboard Delta Flight 876, a Boeing 717-200, shortly after departing from Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. As the airplane took off, thick smoke began to fill the cabin, severely limiting visibility for the flight crew and affecting the safety of all 99 individuals on board, which included passengers and crew members. The lead flight attendant reported that the smoke was so dense that he was unable to see beyond the first row of seats, leading to significant alarm among the crew and passengers. The aircraft was destined for Columbia, South Carolina, emphasizing the need for a safe and secure environment throughout the flight. After the smoke began to infiltrate the cockpit, the pilots activated emergency procedures and attempted to regain control of the situation while declaring an emergency with air traffic control, prioritizing the safety of those on board. The pilots were later alerted by a low oil pressure alarm for the right engine, which prompted them to shut it down before safely returning to the airport. Upon landing, emergency services were on standby, prepared to assist with the evacuation process once the plane came to a stop. Two passengers experienced minor injuries during the evacuation, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Despite the critical nature of the incident, it was fortunate that no injuries were directly attributed to smoke inhalation. The National Transportation Safety Board immediately launched an investigation into the matter, collecting data and evidence to determine the precise cause of the smoke and whether it was related to the reported oil leak in the right engine. Although a preliminary report indicated that there was no visible oil in the engine's oil reservoir, the investigation remains active, and a definitive conclusion regarding the cause of the smoke will emerge upon completion of the NTSB's full report, expected within a year.