Delta Air Lines grounds Boeing 737-800 after inflight wing flap malfunction

The flight lasted two hours and thirty-nine minutes, covering over 1,100 miles at cruising speeds around 520 mph and an altitude of 40,000 feet, according to FlightAware data. Observers noted that visible damage appeared during approach into Austin when flaps are deployed for landing.

Publicly available information indicates that this particular Boeing 737-800, registered N3740C, is nearly 25 years old and has served various operators since production at Renton (RNT). It spent two years leased to WestJet between 2000 and 2002 before returning to Delta’s fleet. Environmental conditions such as Canadian winters and Florida humidity may have increased maintenance demands on this airframe.

Boeing estimates that a typical 737 can remain in service for approximately 20-30 years or up to around 50,000 flight hours or roughly 90,000 cycles. Aircraft operating short-haul routes generally accumulate wear faster due to frequent takeoff and landing cycles.

The investigation will determine whether improper maintenance or other factors led to this control surface failure. Maintenance procedures require regular inspection of critical components like flaps before each departure.

Delta Air Lines operates as a full-service carrier with major hubs across several U.S. cities including Atlanta, New York JFK, Los Angeles, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport among others. Founded in 1929 and led by CEO Ed Bastian, it is part of SkyTeam alliance.

Ensuring proper maintenance remains essential for passenger safety as airlines operate aging fleets across demanding environments.