Delta Flight Returns To Atlanta After Engine Issue
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-200 operating a short hop from Atlanta to Jacksonville returned to its departure airport after the crew reported an engine-related issue shortly after takeoff.
Delta Flight DL2627 departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) on Sunday, December 28, carrying 191 passengers, two pilots, and four cabin crew. Instead of continuing to Florida, the aircraft remained close to the Atlanta area while the crew worked through procedures and prepared for a precautionary return.
Engine Issue Reported Shortly After Departure
The aircraft pushed back at 4:42 p.m. and departed ATL on a westerly track. Not long after takeoff, the crew identified an issue with one of the engines and requested to return to base.
Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft remained below roughly 11,000 feet and flew holding patterns south of the city—consistent with a controlled return profile that can include time to manage aircraft configuration, coordinate with air traffic control, and reduce landing weight.
Delta said in a 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 apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels.”
The aircraft touched down back at ATL at approximately 5:15 p.m. and taxied in for inspection.
Passengers Rebooked, Jacksonville Service Operated Later
After returning to Atlanta, passengers disembarked and were re-accommodated on a replacement aircraft. The rescheduled service, still operating under the DL2627 flight number, departed ATL at 9:44 p.m. and arrived in Jacksonville at 10:27 p.m.
The disruption also pushed back the return leg: the Jacksonville-to-Atlanta segment departed at 11:32 p.m. (instead of 6:41 p.m.) and arrived in Atlanta at 12:14 a.m. the following day.
The Aircraft: Delta’s “Last-Built” Boeing 757-200
The aircraft involved was N823DX, a 21-year-old Boeing 757-200 that is notable as the last 757-200 ever produced. It originally flew for Shanghai Airlines (as B-2876) before later joining Delta’s fleet in 2016.
In Delta service, the aircraft is configured for 193 passengers across three cabins:
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20 in Delta First
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41 in Delta Comfort
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132 in Delta Main
It is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW2037 engines.
After maintenance checks in Atlanta, the aircraft returned to flying the following afternoon, operating ATL–New Orleans (MSY) and continuing in regular service afterward.
