This article summarizes reporting by WTOC and verified flight data.

Delta Flight Engine Failure Sparks Grass Fire at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

On Monday, February 22, 2026, emergency personnel at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) responded to a grass fire near the runway edge, which was reportedly ignited by an engine malfunction on a departing Commercial-Aircraft. The incident involved Delta Air Lines Flight 1067, which was forced to return to the airport shortly after takeoff.

According to reporting by WTOC, airport officials confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze. While the fire caused temporary operational disruptions, including flight diversions and a ground stop, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

The event highlights the critical role of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) teams in managing runway Safety incidents. We have compiled the verified details regarding the flight, the subsequent fire, and the operational impact on regional air travel below.

Incident Details and Flight 1067

The incident began when Delta Flight 1067, a Boeing 737-900 service bound for Atlanta (ATL), experienced a mechanical issue during its departure from Savannah. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft took off but encountered engine trouble almost immediately.

Witnesses on the ground and passengers onboard described a startling sequence of events. According to local reports, observers noted a loud noise followed by visible flames. One passenger account cited by local outlets described the sensation of a “blow” followed by a “fireball.”

The heat or debris from the engine malfunction reportedly ignited dry grass adjacent to the runway, triggering the fire. The flight crew declared an emergency and executed a safe return to SAV, where the aircraft landed without further incident.

“Airport officials have confirmed that emergency personnel are responding to a grass fire on the edge of a runway…”

, WTOC

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Operational Impact and Diversions

The emergency response required a temporary suspension of flight operations to ensure the safety of the airfield and allow fire crews to extinguish the grass fire. Reports indicate that a ground stop was in effect until approximately 8:00 PM local time.

This disruption forced air traffic controllers to reroute incoming aircraft. At least two flights scheduled to land at SAV were diverted to Charleston International Airport (CHS). Additionally, several other flights experienced delays or cancellations as the Airports worked to clear the scene and inspect the runway for debris or damage.

AirPro News analysis

Runway Safety Areas and Vegetation Management

While grass fires at airports are relatively rare, they represent a known risk in aviation safety, particularly during dry conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates Runway Safety Areas (RSA), defined surfaces surrounding the runway prepared or suitable for reducing the risk of damage to airplanes. However, the vegetation within these zones must be managed carefully.

In this instance, the rapid ignition of grass suggests dry environmental conditions, which can turn superheated engine exhaust or hot debris into an immediate fire hazard. The successful containment of the fire by SAV’s ARFF units demonstrates the effectiveness of rapid response protocols. Had the fire spread uncontrolled, it could have obscured visibility for other pilots or damaged ground infrastructure.

Historical Context and Safety Record

It is important to distinguish this mechanical incident from recent weather-related disruptions in the region. In late January 2026, “Winter Storm Fern” caused widespread cancellations across the Southeast; however, the February 22 event was an isolated occurrence linked specifically to the aircraft’s mechanical failure.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport generally maintains a strong safety record. While minor general aviation incidents have occurred in the past, such as a small engine fire involving a Piper PA-28 in 2019, commercial Airlines emergencies involving engine failures and subsequent ground fires are infrequent at this location.

Delta Air Lines has not issued a widespread public press release regarding this specific flight at the time of writing, which is standard for incidents where no injuries occur and the aircraft returns safely. Typically, the airline focuses on rebooking affected passengers and cooperating with federal investigators, such as the FAA, to determine the root cause of the engine failure.

Sources: WTOC, WSAV, FlightAware