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FAA investigating Delta jet fuel-dumping on schoolkids

Posted at 5:33 AM, Jan 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-15 05:33:34-05

CUDAHY, Calif. (AP) — Federal authorities will investigate why an airliner with engine trouble dumped jet fuel over a densely populated area of Southern California while making an emergency return, dousing dozens of schoolchildren in a smelly vapor.

Delta Air Lines Flight 89 to Shanghai turned back to Los Angeles International Airport only minutes after taking off Tuesday.

The pilot reported a stalled engine compressor, which can reduce thrust. The Federal Aviation Administration says it will investigate.

The agency says procedures call for fuel-dumping over unpopulated areas. But an aerospace consultant says the pilot can deviate from those rules for safety reasons.