The Digester
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Miracle in São Paulo: 286 uninjured after engine explodes during takeoff

Delta flight DL104 from São Paulo to Atlanta suffered a left engine explosion during climb, returned and landed safely about ten minutes after takeoff, and caused a field fire from debris that firefighters put out; no injuries were reported.

Mar 30th 2026 · Brazil

Insights

  • There were 272 passengers and 14 crew aboard Delta flight DL104 departing São Paulo for Atlanta.
  • The left engine exploded as the aircraft was climbing, forcing an immediate return to the airport.
  • The aircraft landed safely about ten minutes after takeoff and all 286 people on board were uninjured.
  • Fragments from the engine started a fire in a nearby field that firefighters extinguished.

Sources