[Edited, 16Jan20, to clarify communications from the aircrew and for the addition of link(s) to a pilot's-perspective analysis of the incident. Also, 17Jan20 to add link to Part Two of Juan Brown's video. --ed]
Delta flight 89 dumped jet fuel over Los Angeles Jan. 14, 2020, subsequent to an engine compressor stall, while on climb-out from LAX. Flight 89 (presumably, the First Officer) told an Air Traffic Controller that they did not need (to enter a holding pattern) to dump fuel, in order to make their emergency landing at LAX. But, a statement from the airline indicates that they did dump fuel. It did not go unnoticed.
The FAA, who has specific regulations requiring that dumping be done over unpopulated areas and at a high enough altitude that droplets have a chance to dissipate, states that they are investigating.
Delta 89 returns to LAX
Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return quickly to LAX.
The aircraft landed safely after a release of fuel, which was required as part of normal procedure to reach a safe landing weight. Delta is in touch with Los Angeles World Airports and the LA County Fire Department as well as community leaders, and shares concerns regarding reports of minor injuries to adults and children at schools in the area.
Delta continues to investigate the issue. Individuals and property owners who believe they may have been affected by the jet fuel release can contact Delta at 800-441-5955 for more information. --Delta Airlines
JET FUEL RAINS DOWN ON SOUTH LA, HAZMAT AND FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDICS RESPOND TO SCHOOLS
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
LAFD Spokesperson: Nicholas Prange
SOUTH LOS ANGELES - An aircraft returning to LAX for an emergency landing needed to dump fuel to lighten the load. Unfortunately for the people the fuel rained down on, this prompted LAFD firefighter-paramedics and Hazerdous Materials specialists to respond for air-quality monitoring and medical evaluations.
The LAFD responded at 12:10 P.M. to two different schools in the South Los Angeles area for a hazardous materials incident. We confirmed that an aircraft flying relatively low over this area performed an emergency release of fuel to lighten their load to help them land safely at LAX Airport. This jet fuel fell to the ground across portions of South Los Angeles and affected some children and staff at 93rd Elementary and Jordan High School. We evaluated a total of 16 patients for non-life-threatening irritation to their skin, primarily. Fortunately, none of them required transport to any local hospital by LAFD ambulance. We also worked closely with our friends at LA County FD, who had four different schools in their response area outside of the LA City limits, and a total of 44 patients evaluated with no one being transported to the hospital.
Overall, an abundance of resources arrived on scene quickly to triage and evaluate a large group of potential patients. Our HazMat Specialists brought sensing equipment to monitor the safety of the air in and around the school. We cooperated with other agencies including LAX, LAPD, School PD, and LACoFD to care for these students, teachers, and school staff during an unsettling afternoon. We are thankful that no serious injuries resulted and all students were released back to their families as quickly as was safely possible.
Additional links below.
From a JET-A Safety Data Sheet:
"SECTION 4: First aid measures 4.1. Description of first aid measures Inhalation Ingestion Skin contact Eye contact Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Get medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist. Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash skin with soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation persists after washing. Rinse immediately with plenty of water. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Get medical attention if irritation persists after washing. 4.2. Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed General information Irritating to skin. May irritate eyes. Vapours in high concentrations are narcotic. May cause nausea, headache, dizziness and intoxication. Entry into the lungs following ingestion or vomiting may cause chemical pneumonitis."
Juan Brown provides a pilots perspective analysis in a two-part report via the Blancolirio channel on YouTube. B-777 Fuel Dumping and Overweight Landing Considerations
Part One ↗️ Part Two ↗️(Opens new window/tab.)
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Additional links:
https://youtu.be/mIA90evz8gs
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/chap9_section_4.html
https://news.delta.com/delta-flight-89-returns-lax
https://mobile.twitter.com/FAANews/status/1217213895066169345