Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight were left shaken after witnessing part of a Boeing 737’s wing break midair, according to video footage filmed onboard. The dramatic incident occurred Tuesday as Delta Flight 1893 approached Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas after departing Orlando International Airport.
The footage shows a portion of the wing’s flap dangling loosely as the aircraft, carrying 62 passengers and six crew members, prepared to land. “We felt it was bad turbulence. The plane was shaking,” passenger Shanila Arif told CNN. “The lady in front of us opened the window and told us it is broken. I opened the window and got scared.”
Despite the alarming sight, the flight landed safely in Austin. Delta confirmed the wing damage in a statement, noting, “It was observed that a portion of the left wing’s flap was not in place. The aircraft has been taken out of service for maintenance.” The airline added, “We apologize to our customers for their experience as nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers.”
No injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation, with Delta pledging full cooperation. Boeing, which has faced increased scrutiny in recent years over safety issues, has not yet commented on the incident. According to FAA safety records, all commercial aircraft must undergo rigorous inspections after any midair structural failure.
The video quickly spread on social media, raising fresh concerns about Boeing aircraft reliability and Delta’s maintenance procedures. For now, investigators will determine whether the damage was caused by a mechanical failure, wear and tear, or turbulence.