No Passengers On Board When B737 Slid Off A Taxiway During Maintenance

Delta officials say one of their aircraft was significantly damaged when it slid off a taxiway at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

There were no passengers on board the B737-700 (similar aircraft pictured) that was undergoing maintenance about 0500 EDT Tuesday morning, according to a report from the Associated Press. The only people on board the airplane were two mechanics who were conducting engine tests at the time of the incident.

A Delta spokesperson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the mechanics said they had a problem with the airplane's brakes as they were testing the engines, and it rolled off the taxiway and over an embankment. Photos show damage to the engine cowlings, and a crane reportedly had to be brought in to lift the airplane back onto the pavement.

The incident caused runway 26L to be closed for a time Tuesday monrning, but it was reportedly re-opened by 0930 EDT. The incident also caused airport delays of 30-45 minutes.

FMI: www.delta.com