Delta Air Lines has identified the cause of a fire that broke out on a flight from Lagos to Atlanta last month. According to a Delta spokesperson, the incident on Flight 55 occurred when food debris came into contact with a heating element in the aircraft’s oven.
The fire took place on September 23 as the plane was operating its scheduled route from Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta, Georgia. Delta provided details about the incident in a statement to PEOPLE magazine.
Investigation Findings
After conducting an internal review, Delta determined that the fire was not related to any mechanical or electrical malfunction of the aircraft itself. “The fire on Delta Flight 55 heading for Atlanta from Lagos, Nigeria on Sept. 23 was caused by food debris on the oven’s heating element,” the airline representative explained.
This type of incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and cleaning procedures for in-flight catering equipment. Food particles that accumulate on heating elements can pose fire risks when ovens reach high temperatures during meal preparation.
Safety Protocols and Response
While Delta did not provide specific details about how the crew handled the fire, commercial aircraft are equipped with fire extinguishers and crew members receive extensive training on emergency procedures for such incidents.
Standard protocol for in-flight fires includes:
- Immediate use of appropriate fire extinguishers
- Cutting power to affected equipment
- Communication between cabin crew and flight deck
- Assessment of whether an emergency landing is necessary
The airline did not report any injuries related to the incident, suggesting that crew members were able to contain the fire quickly before it posed a serious threat to passengers or the aircraft.
Industry Context
Galley fires, while uncommon, are not unprecedented in commercial aviation. Most modern aircraft galleys feature safety mechanisms designed to contain small fires and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the cabin.
Aviation safety experts note that galley equipment is subject to regular inspection and maintenance checks. However, the high-volume food service on international long-haul flights like the Lagos-Atlanta route can create challenges for thorough cleaning between meal services.
The Lagos-Atlanta route is one of Delta’s longest flights, covering approximately 5,800 miles with a flight time of around 12 hours. Long-haul flights typically serve multiple meal services, increasing the use of galley equipment.
Delta has not indicated whether the incident has prompted any changes to their catering procedures or equipment maintenance protocols. However, airlines typically review such incidents to determine if additional preventive measures are needed.
The Federal Aviation Administration maintains strict safety standards for all aspects of commercial flight operations, including galley equipment and procedures. Airlines must report incidents involving fire or smoke to regulatory authorities for review.
Delta Air Lines operates one of the largest international networks of any U.S. carrier, with service to six continents. The Atlanta-based airline has maintained a strong safety record throughout its history.
