Delta Boeing 767 Engine Catches Fire Shortly After Takeoff from LAX

A Delta Air Lines plane en route to Atlanta had to perform an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday after one of its engines erupted in flames minutes after takeoff. This incident occurred on Flight DL446, a Boeing 767-400 aircraft (registration N836MH), which was captured on a viral video showing fire shooting out of its left engine while in mid-air.

Flames Erupt Mid-Flight

As per Aviation A2Z reports, the plane was only a short time after taking off from LAX when the blaze erupted in the left General Electric CF6-powered engine. The pilots declared an emergency and worked with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to head back to the airport.

Flightradar24 data revealed that DL446 first climbed out over the Pacific Ocean and then looped back around the Downey and Paramount regions. The move gave the crew sufficient time to run emergency checklists and prepare for a safe landing. Even with the spectacular visuals, the plane retained a controlled altitude and speed during the incident.

Emergency Crews on Standby

Emergency teams at LAX had been notified in advance and were prepared on the ground when the plane touched down. Firefighters quickly put out the fire as soon as the aircraft came to a stop on the runway. Thankfully, all crew members and passengers on board were safe.

A Delta Air Lines spokesperson verified the incident, saying, “Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine.”

The passengers on board the flight captured the calm and composed demeanor of the crew during the crisis. According to a passenger, the captain told them that fire personnel were “verifying that the engine fire is out.”

FAA Launches Investigation

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into why the engine caught fire. The plane involved is approximately 25 years old and has undergone considerable use over the years.

This marks the second such incident involving Delta Air Lines in 2024. In April, a Delta flight preparing to depart from Orlando International Airport also experienced an engine fire. In that case, Flight 1213, an Airbus A330 carrying 282 passengers and 12 crew members, caught fire on the ramp. No injuries were reported in that incident either.

Delta’s Response and Safety Record

In spite of these occurrences, Delta had an impeccable safety record, and in both instances, its response was noted for professionalism and urgency.

The airline would not comment on whether the age of the plane had anything to do with the failure of the engine. The investigators will likely review the maintenance history and engine background as part of the investigation.