Delta Flight Lands Safely After Wing Flap Breaks Mid-Air
on Aug 22, 2025
Wing Malfunction On Delta Flight To Austin Prompts FAA Investigation
On Tuesday (August 19), Delta Air Lines Flight 1893, a Boeing 737 flying from Orlando International Airportto Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, experienced a potentially hazardous issue mid-flight. A portion of the left wing flap reportedly broke loose and began to dangle visibly as the aircraft approached Texas.
“After DL 1893 landed safely and without incident in Austin, it was observed that a portion of the left wing’s flap was not in place,” a Delta spokesperson said.
The aircraft was immediately taken out of service for maintenance, and Delta issued an apology, emphasizing that “nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers.” The airline also pledged full cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has opened an investigation into the incident.
Passengers React To The Malfunction
Some passengers initially mistook the flapping for turbulence. One passenger, Shanila Arif, captured video of the dangling flap and claimed to be afraid that it could fall off and strike the tail, possibly endangering the flight.
“During the flight, while the plane was at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, we noticed that a part of the wing had broken and was visibly detached,” Arif said.
Delta reported that the Boeing 737 was carrying six crew members and 62 passengers.
Fears Around Air Travel Heightened
Plane travel worries are undeniably heightened after multiple plane crashes have made headlines this year alone.
Last month (July 25), the pilots of United Airlines Flight 108 declared a “Mayday” after experiencing an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport.
Early in 2025, a passenger jet collided with an Army helicopter in Washington DC, taking the lives of 67 people. Later that same week in Philadelphia, a small jet crashed into a busy neighborhood, killing seven people, six on board and one bystander.
In February, emergency personnel evacuated 104 passengers and 5 crew members from United Airlines Flight 1382 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. The flight was set to depart from Houston to New York City. They used slides and stairs for the evacuation.
