Report Details

Carrier Delta Air Lines

Flight Number DL1635 – BWI – SLC DL1193 – SLC - ANC

Date and Time of Incident February 15, 2009 – approximately 1422

Type of Incident Escape

Description of Animal Breed: Domestic Shorthair Feline Age: 10 yrs 7 mos

Description of the Incident On February 15, 2009, two domesticated cats were presented for travel at the cargo facility in Baltimore, Maryland (BWI). The cats were destined for Anchorage, AK (ANC) via Salt Lake City, UT (SLC). They were presented in two separate kennels, one male and one female. They were processed, inspected and both kennels met the IATA container requirements. The cats were placed in a cart for delivery to their departing flight. Once the ramp driver arrived at the gate he proceeded to unload the kennels. He noticed one kennel was empty and that the cat had escaped; however the front door of the kennel was still closed. Immediate steps were taken to locate the escaped feline. The shipper was notified of the incident and calls were also made to the airport police and the Airport Wildlife Biologist group, who bought out traps to assist with its capture.
We are continuing our efforts to retrieve the escaped animal, including the distribution of alert posters in the breakroom areas, as well as the non-public contact TSA Offices.

Cause of the Incident Unknown

Corrective Action Taken It was determined the acceptance agent handling this shipment failed to apply releasable cable ties to the front door as per Delta’s internal policies for Live Animal shipments. Agent was placed on administrative action.