THE investigation into a "serious incident" in which a plane caught fire and had to be diverted to Prestwick Airport has concluded. 

Today, a report has been published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch regarding the Edinburgh to New York Delta Air Lines flight on February 10, 2023.

Investigators found the Boeing 767-332(ER) suffered a contained engine failure leading to a fuel leak. 

During takeoff from Edinburgh Airport, a high-pressure turbine blade fractured in the right engine, which damaged a further five blades. 

This caused vibrations which ultimately led to fuel escaping from the right wing fuel tank. 

Due to the high engine vibration, the flight crew diverted the aircraft to Prestwick Airport for an emergency landing.

READ MORE: New York-bound plane on fire in emergency landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

During the diversion, fuel escaping from the wing was ignited by the hot engine exhaust, causing flames, and this was recorded by a passenger. 

A total of 211 passengers were on board and left "terrified". 

It was reported at the time that children and teachers from a secondary school in East Dunbartonshire were among those on the plane - who were on their way to the US for a school trip. 

The flames went out before the plane landed promptly, with full emergency service crews in attendance. 

After the aircraft arrived on a stand, the airport fire service noticed the fuel coming from the right wing and put provisions in place to capture the fuel, preventing it from igniting on the hot engine or brakes.

All passengers and the 10 crew members were rapidly disembarked, with no injuries.

(Image: AAIB) A safety recommendation has now been made to the Federal Aviation Administration that requires the Boeing Aircraft Company to demonstrate that following this serious incident, the design of the slat track housing drain tube on the Boeing 767 family of aircraft continues to comply with the certification requirements for large transport aircraft.