Delta 737-900 Engine Failure Sparks Grass Fire at Savannah Airport

A Delta Air Lines 737-900 operating Flight 1067 made a safe emergency landing at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport after a left-engine failure sparked a large grass fire along the runway Feb. 22, 2026. The aircraft, carrying 179 passengers, two pilots and four flight attendants, returned to the airport and was met by fire trucks. All passengers deplaned at the gate unharmed.

Air traffic control reported a "pretty large flame" and warned other aircraft to avoid the burning taxiway and grass area. Multiple agencies — including the Savannah Fire Department, Garden City Fire-Rescue, Pooler Fire-Rescue, airport fire services and the 165th Airlift Wing Fire Department — coordinated to extinguish the blaze without disrupting other flights. The FAA announced it will investigate the engine failure and resulting fire.

Delta apologized for the delay and re-accommodated passengers on alternate flights. The airport resumed normal operations the next day, though some airlines issued travel waivers for unrelated winter weather at connecting hubs. The incident underscores the importance of rapid pilot response and multi-agency coordination in aviation emergency response.