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Delta A220 Slide Deployment at Pittsburgh Gate Triggers Four-Hour Delay

Delta says a crew member opened a still-armed door, triggering an automatic slide deployment that caused an expensive disruption.

Overview

  • The Oct. 25 incident involved Delta Flight 3248 at Pittsburgh, where the forward left slide inflated against the jet bridge on an Airbus A220-300.
  • Passengers were held onboard until maintenance detached the slide in about an hour, after which the aircraft departed roughly four hours late for Salt Lake City.
  • Delta rebooked affected travelers on later flights and provided hotel rooms for those who could not continue their trips that night.
  • A passenger account said the crew member apologized and noted such a mistake had not occurred in their 26-year career.
  • Industry estimates for costs vary widely, from about $12,000 to repack an undamaged slide to $50,000–$100,000 for repair or replacement, with total disruption expenses potentially approaching six figures or more according to some reports.