Delta Air Lines has agreed to a $79 million settlement, closing a five-year legal battle over a 2020 incident in which a plane dumped 15,000 gallons of jet fuel over a Los Angeles County community, drenching schoolchildren and residents. The settlement resolves a federal class-action lawsuit without Delta admitting liability.
The January 20, 2020, event occurred when Delta Flight 89, bound for Shanghai with 149 passengers, was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport after experiencing engine issues. Because the plane was too heavy to land safely, its crew released thousands of gallons of fuel while flying over southeastern Los Angeles County, directly affecting neighborhoods and schools in Cudahy, South Gate, and surrounding areas.
Dozens Treated, Thousands Affected
As the fuel rained down, Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy was among the hardest hit. Dozens of children and staff reported exposure, with 20 students and 11 adults receiving treatment for skin and respiratory irritation. Fortunately, no one required hospitalization.
Other schools, including Pioneer High School in Whittier, also reported being struck by fuel particles. Residents described the incident as shocking and deeply concerning, with many fearing long-term health consequences.
The lawsuit noted that approximately 160,000 residents and 38,000 properties were impacted. Plaintiffs argued that Delta Air Lines acted recklessly by dumping fuel over populated areas rather than waiting to release it in a less harmful location, such as offshore. Aviation experts at the time described the incident as highly unusual and troubling.
Breakdown of Settlement
The nearly $79 million settlement includes about $50.6 million in direct compensation for victims, after attorneys’ fees and court costs. The payouts will be divided into two groups: property owners and residents.
- Property owners will collectively receive about $33.9 million, with each claim guaranteed at least $888.82.
- Residents will share approximately $16.7 million, with a minimum payout of $104.34 per claim.
Attorneys from the X-Law Group, which represented the plaintiffs, called the settlement a “hard-fought victory” for families in Southeast Los Angeles.
“This settlement represents five years of intense and hard-fought litigation, and brings very real recovery to the class members both in terms of monetary recovery, as well as non-monetary relief,” said attorney Filippo Marchino. “We are especially pleased to obtain this result for residents of the Southeast L.A. communities, composed of hard-working families who asked only for respect and just treatment.”
Delta Air Lines, in court documents, stated it chose settlement to avoid the uncertainties of trial and to reduce ongoing legal costs, while maintaining that the agreement did not constitute an admission of liability.
A Rare and Controversial Incident
At the time of the incident, Delta air lines officials explained that the aircraft needed to return quickly after losing thrust during takeoff. Because the plane exceeded the safe landing weight of 160,000 pounds, fuel dumping was necessary before an emergency landing.
While fuel dumps are not uncommon in aviation, they are typically conducted at high altitude over unpopulated areas or the ocean, allowing fuel to evaporate before reaching the ground. In this case, however, fuel was released at a much lower altitude, increasing the likelihood of ground-level exposure.
The Federal Aviation Administration later reviewed the incident, and air quality regulators cited Delta for environmental violations. The event also raised broader questions about aviation safety protocols for heavily populated regions near major airports.
Looking Ahead
With the settlement finalized, affected residents and property owners are expected to receive payments in the coming months. Although the financial compensation provides closure for many, some community members continue to express concern about long-term health impacts and the possibility of similar incidents in the future.
For Cudahy and nearby cities, the 2020 fuel dump remains a painful reminder of the risks of living under busy flight paths. For Delta, the settlement represents both a costly resolution and a lasting mark on its operational history.
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