Delta Air Lines Airbus A321neo Diverts to Boston Logan Due to Engine Issues

A Delta Air Lines flight from Boston to San Francisco experienced engine problems shortly after takeoff, resulting in an unscheduled return to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Flight DL475, which departed BOS at 18:15 on June 21st, landed back at the airport at 18:37 without incident. Passengers were in the air for just 22 minutes before the diversion.

Delta maintenance staff promptly assessed the aircraft, but it has remained grounded in Boston since the incident. Passengers were accommodated on a replacement service. A Delta spokesperson stated, "Delta flight 475 operating from Boston to San Francisco returned to Boston shortly after takeoff to address an apparent mechanical issue pertaining to one of the aircraft’s engines. We apologize to our customers for the delay as they were later reaccommodated onto an alternate aircraft for their flight to San Francisco."

The flight, initially operated by an Airbus A321neo, was scheduled to depart at 16:20 local time and arrive in San Francisco at 21:27. After nearly two hours of delays, it finally took off at 18:15, only to return 22 minutes later due to engine issues. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft climbed to about 1,800 feet before turning back over the Boston Harbor Islands and landing safely.

The aircraft involved, N513DA, is a 1.7-year-old Airbus A321neo powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines. Delivered to Delta on October 13, 2022, it can carry 20 passengers in business class, 42 in premium class, and 132 in economy class.

Delta quickly deployed a replacement aircraft, N542DE, also an Airbus A321neo. This near-new aircraft departed BOS at 19:37 and safely landed in San Francisco at 22:48. The return flight to Boston, however, faced delays, departing at 00:23 instead of 21:50 and arriving at 08:29, compared to the scheduled 06:36 arrival time. N542DE, delivered to Delta on August 9, 2023, has serial number 11510.