THIS Is Why Airliners Burn Off Fuel Rather Than Dumping It

Illustration for article titled THIS Is Why Airliners Burn Off Fuel Rather Than Dumping It
Advertisement

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 777 departing LAX for Shanghai developed engine trouble on take-off, and prior to returning to the airport for an emergency landing jettisoned fuel to lower the airliner’s weight. Unfortunately, the Triple Seven was above an elementary school when it dumped the fuel, resulting in 23 minor injuries among students and staff.