A Delta Airlines flight bound for Atlanta had to make an emergency landing back at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after an engine reportedly caught fire shortly after takeoff on Friday. In a dramatic video, Flight DL446, operated by a Boeing 767-400 (registration N836MH), can be seen mid-flight with flames coming from the aircraft’s left engine.
🇺🇲 Delta Airlines Boeing 767 forced to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after its engine caught on fire.
Thank god 🫢 pic.twitter.com/rrkCq4wlAC
— Abhimanyu Manjhi (@AbhimanyuManjh5) July 19, 2025
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and fire crews were able to extinguish the flames on the runway promptly.
According to a report by Aviation A2Z, the aircraft had just taken off when the engine caught fire. The flight crew quickly announced an emergency and prepared to return to LAX. Air Traffic Control (ATC) efficiently guided the plane back to the airport and alerted emergency services on the ground.
Controlled Return to LAX
Flightradar24 data shows that DL446 initially climbed over the Pacific before circling back inland over Downey and Paramount areas, allowing the crew time to complete checklists and prepare for a safe landing. The aircraft maintained a controlled altitude and speed during the maneuver.
Passengers reported that the captain announced fire crews were “verifying that the engine fire is out.”
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch an investigation into the incident. The aircraft involved is nearly 25 years old and powered by two General Electric CF6 engines.
“Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine,” a Delta Air Lines spokesperson told the BBC.
History of Engine Issues
This is not the first time Delta has faced such an issue this year. In April, another Delta aircraft caught fire at Orlando International Airport. Delta Air Lines Flight 1213 experienced an engine fire on the ramp while preparing to depart for Atlanta. The Airbus A330 carried 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots at the time, with no injuries reported.
