Flight Attendant Accidentally Deploys Emergency Slide on Delta Flight at Pittsburgh International Airport

Delta Flight Delayed After Emergency Slide Deployment

A Delta Air Lines flight attendant accidentally deployed an emergency slide on a plane preparing to depart from Pittsburgh International Airport, Pennsylvania, United States, causing a significant delay and financial loss for the airline.

Delta Flight 3248 was scheduled to travel from Pittsburgh to Salt Lake City, Utah, when the incident occurred before takeoff. According to accounts shared by passengers, the emergency slide was unintentionally released, halting the flight’s departure process.

After the accidental deployment, airport staff reconnected the jetbridge to allow passengers to disembark safely. It took approximately one hour to detach the inflated slide from the aircraft. The flight was ultimately delayed for nearly four hours.

Passengers Missed Connections and Overnighted in Salt Lake City

Due to the delay, multiple passengers missed their connecting flights in Salt Lake City. Delta Air Lines arranged overnight accommodations for the affected travelers.

The cost of repairing and repacking the emergency slide was estimated at around $20,000. Additional expenses for passenger lodging, crew arrangements, and aircraft repositioning reportedly brought the total financial impact to a six-figure amount.

Flight Attendant Apologized to Passengers

The flight attendant involved in the incident expressed regret to passengers, stating that this was the first such occurrence in his 26-year career. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft resumed service after the necessary maintenance was completed.

The incident led to operational disruptions and costs for Delta Air Lines, but all passengers eventually reached their destinations safely.