Report Details

Carrier:
Delta Air Lines

Flight Number: DL 1050

Date and Time of Incident 24 January 2011, 3 PM EST

Type of Incident: Death

Description of Animal Breed: English Bulldog
Age: 9 months

Description of Incident: Coco, a nine month old 63 pound English Bulldog was accepted for transport from Stuttgart Germany to Philadelphia via Atlanta. The dog was accepted through the passenger baggage process. Coco was properly loaded in the Bulk Baggage bin. No discrepancies have been reported with the HVAC system. The pilots report no anomalies during flight. Coco was found to be unresponsive when unloaded in Atlanta less than 10 minutes after the aircraft had parked. The passenger was notified immediately of the death. Temperature range in Stuttgart was 30-32 degrees F. Temperature range in Atlanta was 44-52 degrees F.

Cause of Incident: An autopsy was performed. In addition to a predisposition for breathing difficulties endemic to brachycephalic dogs, Coco, due to stress, regurgitated food consumed prior to transportation which was aspirated into the trachea and lungs. The vet also noted that there were indications of a preexisting respiratory infection which were still inflamed.

Corrective Action Taken: No action warranted.