Delta’s Boeing 767 engine catches fire mid-air, makes emergency landing in LA
Summary
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 767‑400 flight (DL446) route from Los Angeles to Atlanta experienced a frightening engine fire in its left engine shortly after takeoff. Pilots declared an emergency, circled over Los Angeles to troubleshoot, and safely returned to LAX. The fire was extinguished upon landing and no injuries were reported. The FAA has launched an investigation following the incident—the second such engine fire involving Delta this year
1. Introduction – When Skies Turn Scary
Imagine boarding your flight—coffee in hand, maybe scrolling through your phone—and suddenly seeing flames shooting from the wing. That anxiety-inducing image became stark reality on July 18 when Delta Flight DL446, a Boeing 767‑400 traveling from LAX to Atlanta, erupted into flames mid-air. Thankfully, it was handled like clockwork: the pilots declared an emergency, circled for checks, and landed safely. A textbook example of professionalism under pressure—a real-life thriller you’d rather never watch unfold.
2. The Aircraft and Flight Details
Let’s start with the basics:
- Flight: DL446, scheduled LAX to ATL
- Aircraft: 24.6-year-old Boeing 767‑400, registration N836MH
- Engines: Two General Electric CF6 units—left engine caught fire
- Timeline: Departed LAX; shortly after liftoff, engine fire indicated; returned to LAX within minutes
For a nearly 25-year-old jet, it’s done its fair share of flying, but that doesn’t make these flames any less serious.
3. The Fireball Moment—Caught on Camera
Ground-based spotters captured a jaw-dropping moment: orange flames billowing from the left engine beneath the wing, eerily lit against the sky. It’s the kind of footage you see in movies—but this was terrifyingly real. That raw footage sent chills across social media—but also offered a hope: everyone’s safe.
4. Pilot Response – Cool Heads and Quick Decisions
When warnings flashed, the pilots responded with calm efficiency:
- Declared an emergency with ATC
- Gained altitude, flying over the Pacific to assess the situation
- Circuited over Downey and Paramount, giving time to check emergency protocols
- Maintained controlled speed and altitude
- Safely returned to LAX for emergency landing
No panic, no chaos—just practice in motion. And yes, that training saves lives.
5. Emergency Landing and Firefighting
As the plane touched down, a full emergency response was already waiting:
- Airport fire crews raced to the runway
- High-powered extinguishers doused the blaze
- A quick inspection confirmed the fire was out
- All passengers and crew were calm and reported no injuries
It’s a textbook rescue—where procedures meet preparedness.
6. What Flightradar24 Revealed
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 painted a clear picture:
- Initial climb offshore
- Loop over LA suburbs—potentially Downey and Paramount
- Safe return and final approach to LAX
- Smoothly maintained flight profile throughout
No erratic flight behaviors—just a controlled, strategic return.
Delta’s Response – Transparency and Support
Delta spokesperson commented to the BBC: “returned shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine.” They’ve also assured they’re reviewing safety protocols and aircraft maintenance in coordination with FAA and engineers
This isn’t brushing it off—it’s owning the situation.
Final Thoughts – Calm Amid Chaos
Engine fire mid-air is every traveler’s nightmare. But DL446 landed safely thanks to calm pilots, proactive crew, and emergency readiness. That’s resilience in action—turning a potential tragedy into a smooth story where everyone walked away.
So next time you’re on a flight, take a breath. The worst-case scenario? It’s not what happens—it’s how it’s managed that ensures your safety.
FAQs
Q1: Did anyone get hurt in the engine fire incident?
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew during the fire and emergency landing.
Q2: What’s the age and engine type of the aircraft?
It was a 24.6-year-old Boeing 767‑400 powered by General Electric CF6 engines
Q3: How did the plane land safely?
Pilots declared an emergency, circled to run checklists, and returned calmly to LAX where fire crews swiftly extinguished the fire.
Q4: Is this common on Delta flights?
This marks Delta’s second engine-fire incident in 2025—the first occurred on Flight DL105 (A330neo) in January.
Q5: What are the next steps?
The FAA will investigate. Delta and engine manufacturers will inspect logs, engine parts, and maintenance records to prevent a repeat.
