Delta flight DL446, en route from Los Angeles to Atlanta, made an emergency landing on Friday after what appeared to be a fire in its left engine. The aircraft, a Boeing 767-400, had just taken off from Los Angeles International Airport when the pilots detected warning signs of an engine issue.
According to Delta, the crew acted quickly. The pilots declared an emergency and requested an immediate return to the airport. Air Traffic Control cleared the way, alerting emergency responders on the ground.
Visible flames prompt return
Video footage captured from the ground showed flames visibly shooting out of the left engine as the aircraft climbed above Los Angeles. The fire was seen as the plane passed over the southern part of the city.
The aircraft first ascended over the Pacific Ocean, then circled back inland over Downey and Paramount. This gave the crew time to complete safety checks and prepare for landing.
Despite the apparent danger, the aircraft maintained a stable altitude and speed throughout the manoeuvre. The plane landed safely back at LAX without any reported injuries to the passengers or crew.
Response on the ground
Emergency services were waiting on the tarmac as the plane landed. Firefighters confirmed the blaze was extinguished. Passengers were informed mid-flight by the captain about the suspected fire.
One passenger told Aviation A2Z that the captain had said fire crews were "verifying that the engine fire is out."
A Delta spokesperson confirmed the return and told the BBC:
"Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine."
The flight was scheduled to land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Aircraft details and FAA investigation
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-400, registered as N836MH, and is 24.6 years old. It runs on two General Electric CF6 engines.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Officials said that the precise reason behind the engine failure remains under review.
Second engine fire for Delta this year
This incident is the second time in 2025 that Delta has faced an engine fire. On 1 January, Delta flight DL105, an Airbus A330neo, was forced to return to Atlanta after a similar fire broke out shortly after departure. That flight was bound for São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport.
As in Friday’s incident, flames were seen coming from the engine in the earlier event. The aircraft turned back to Atlanta safely. No injuries were reported in that case either.
Delta said it is working closely with authorities and is reviewing its safety protocols.
"Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine," the spokesperson repeated in their statement to the BBC.
Passengers were later accommodated on other flights. No delays to other services have been reported so far.
The FAA's findings will determine what steps, if any, the airline or manufacturers may need to take next.
According to Delta, the crew acted quickly. The pilots declared an emergency and requested an immediate return to the airport. Air Traffic Control cleared the way, alerting emergency responders on the ground.
❗️Boeing 787 Makes Emergency Landing in LA 🇺🇸 - Engine ON FIRE 🔥
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) July 19, 2025
Video claims to show a Delta Airlines flight bound for Atlanta on Friday making an emergency landing at LAX. The engine reportedly caught fire shortly after take-off.
📹 @LAFlightsLIVE https://t.co/t1HBVLDi0P pic.twitter.com/vYNgkpZJcq
Visible flames prompt return
Video footage captured from the ground showed flames visibly shooting out of the left engine as the aircraft climbed above Los Angeles. The fire was seen as the plane passed over the southern part of the city.
The aircraft first ascended over the Pacific Ocean, then circled back inland over Downey and Paramount. This gave the crew time to complete safety checks and prepare for landing.
Despite the apparent danger, the aircraft maintained a stable altitude and speed throughout the manoeuvre. The plane landed safely back at LAX without any reported injuries to the passengers or crew.
Response on the ground
Emergency services were waiting on the tarmac as the plane landed. Firefighters confirmed the blaze was extinguished. Passengers were informed mid-flight by the captain about the suspected fire.
One passenger told Aviation A2Z that the captain had said fire crews were "verifying that the engine fire is out."
A Delta spokesperson confirmed the return and told the BBC:
"Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine."
The flight was scheduled to land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Aircraft details and FAA investigation
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-400, registered as N836MH, and is 24.6 years old. It runs on two General Electric CF6 engines.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Officials said that the precise reason behind the engine failure remains under review.
Second engine fire for Delta this year
This incident is the second time in 2025 that Delta has faced an engine fire. On 1 January, Delta flight DL105, an Airbus A330neo, was forced to return to Atlanta after a similar fire broke out shortly after departure. That flight was bound for São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport.
As in Friday’s incident, flames were seen coming from the engine in the earlier event. The aircraft turned back to Atlanta safely. No injuries were reported in that case either.
Delta said it is working closely with authorities and is reviewing its safety protocols.
"Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine," the spokesperson repeated in their statement to the BBC.
Passengers were later accommodated on other flights. No delays to other services have been reported so far.
The FAA's findings will determine what steps, if any, the airline or manufacturers may need to take next.
You may also like
UAE's 2025 summer update: Flexible work, Armenia visa-free entry, and smoking alternatives
Stage set for a stormy Monsoon Session; Centre, opposition to face-off over Pahalgam attack, Trump's claim: Here's what to expect
PM Modi to visit UK, Maldives from July 23 to 26: Male outreach on agenda - full schedule
Inside Faye Winter's makeup bag with 'brightening' Charlotte Tilbury concealer
Tourist disgusted after visiting Italian city that's 'not like the pictures'
