Los Angeles (Agencies) July 20, 2025: A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta was forced to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday, July 18, after one of its engines erupted in flames shortly after takeoff, sending passengers into panic and prompting a swift response from emergency crews.
Flight DL446, operated by a 24-year-old Boeing 767-400ER (registration N836MH) powered by GE CF6 engines, had just departed from Runway 25R when the crew reported a fire indication in the left engine. The aircraft was climbing over the Pacific Ocean when flames were visibly seen shooting from the engine, captured in dramatic footage by aviation livestreamers and passengers.
Pilots immediately declared an emergency and halted their ascent at 3,000 feet, circling inland over Downey and Paramount to complete safety protocols before returning to land on Runway 25L. The aircraft touched down safely approximately 15 minutes after departure, where it was met by firefighting units from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) who quickly extinguished the blaze.
No injuries were reported among the 224 passengers and crew on board. Passengers described hearing the captain calmly inform them that emergency teams were verifying the fire had been extinguished before the aircraft was towed for inspection.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. While the exact cause of the engine fire remains under review, early indications point to a mechanical malfunction. This marks the second engine fire incident involving a Delta aircraft in 2025, following a similar event in January involving an Airbus A330neo.
Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident and stated it is cooperating fully with federal investigators while reviewing its safety protocols. The affected aircraft will undergo a detailed technical examination before returning to service.
The incident has reignited discussions around aging aircraft fleets and the importance of rigorous maintenance standards, especially for long-haul jets operating high-capacity routes.