Delta plane returns to Hartsfield-Jackson due to smoking engine

VIDEO: Learn more about Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines with the AJC's "5 things to know" series.

A plane returned to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after takeoff Wednesday evening due to a smoking engine.

Delta Air Lines Flight 30 from Atlanta to London Heathrow departed at around 5:51 p.m. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m., according to the Atlanta airport.

As the plane was ascending, pilots received an indicator warning of a problem with the right engine. They shut that engine down and returned to Atlanta.

The plane landed safely back at the airport at 6:35 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aircraft rescue and fire fighting units hosed down the plane’s engine while passengers remained on board.

The aircraft was towed to a gate where the 274 passengers and 14 crew members disembarked from the plane.

An airport spokesman said there are no reports of injuries and minimal impact to operations.

“We apologize to our customers on Delta Flight 30 for delaying their travel,” according to Delta spokesman Anthony Black. “Their safety, and that of the crew, is Delta’s top priority.”

The FAA will investigate the incident.

Delta said it will use another plane to fly the passengers to London later in the evening.

Passengers posted images from the flight.