Report Details

Carrier Delta Air Lines

Flight Number Flight # DL4400 ALB-ATL

Date and Time of Incident June 24, 2006 @ approximately 1915

Type of Incident Death

Description of Animal Breed: Calico Domestic Feline Age: unknown

Description of the Incident Passenger checked one kennel with two cats on flight DL4400 from ALB to ATL with a connecting flight to LAS. Upon transfer, in ATL, the ramp agent was picking up the kennel and the top half of the kennel separated from the lower half and the cats escaped. One cat was captured in the nearest bagroom, the other cat was not immediately located. Agents searched for the cat without success. A short time later, the second cat was struck on the ramp by a tug traveling south on the odd gates side of C Concourse near the spine.

Cause of the Incident Poor kennel design. Insufficient locking mechanisms on the kennel caused the two kennel portions to separate. There were no visible signs of damage to this kennel.

Corrective Action Taken Direct follow up with the Delta Station Manager at the origin which included the agent who accepted the kennel. Emphasis was on kennel specifications.