Delta Air Lines says two mechanics working for its Delta TechOps maintenance division at the carrier's home base in Atlanta were at the controls of a Delta Boeing 737-700 early this morning when the aircraft "left a taxiway" and "sustained damage".

The aircraft, as shown in pictures taken at the scene, departed a taxiway near Runway 8R at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport at 0500 this morning, descending down an embankment. There were no passengers on board.

 techops 737

Delta however says news media reports that the aircraft's brakes had failed during the engine testing that preceded the incident are incorrect. "We are working with the [US Federal Aviation Administration] to determine a cause," he adds. Delta has not identified the aircraft involved in the incident.

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Credit: ITN News

Based in Atlanta, Delta TechOps provides airframe and engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Delta's fleet of more than 750 aircraft as well as third-party maintenance to more than 150 other operators.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news