Los Angeles, CA – July 20, 2025 – In a dramatic aviation incident, Delta Airlines Flight DL446 was forced to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on July 18, 2025, after its left engine caught fire shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 767-400, a 24.6-year-old widebody aircraft (registration N836MH), was en route to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with 240 passengers and crew members onboard.

All individuals onboard were reported safe, and no injuries occurred during the emergency landing.

Engine Fire Mid-Air: What Happened?

Flight DL446 had just departed from LAX when the flight crew detected warning indicators of a fire in the left engine, a General Electric CF6 turbofan. Video footage shared by eyewitnesses showed flames shooting from the aircraft’s left engine, prompting immediate action by the pilots.

According to Flightradar24 tracking data, the aircraft circled over the Pacific Ocean before turning back over Downey and Paramount, maintaining a stable altitude of approximately 3,000 feet as the pilots executed emergency procedures.

Safe Return to LAX: Quick Action Saves the Day

Delta’s flight crew declared an emergency and coordinated with Air Traffic Control for a priority landing. Upon touchdown, emergency response teams were already positioned on the runway.

Fire crews swiftly extinguished the engine fire, and the aircraft was able to taxi to the gate under its own power. A relieved passenger said, “The captain informed us throughout, and we were told that emergency teams were verifying that the fire was out.”

Delta Airlines later released a statement commending the professionalism of the crew and reaffirming their unwavering commitment to passenger safety.

FAA Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a full investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the engine fire. This marks Delta’s second engine-related emergency in 2025.

• On January 1, 2025, a Delta Airbus A330neo (Flight DL105) also returned to Atlanta following an engine fire incident.
• In April 2025, a Delta A330 at Orlando International Airport experienced an engine fire on the ramp, prompting a safe evacuation of 282 passengers.

The aging Boeing 767 involved in the latest incident is now undergoing detailed maintenance checks and diagnostics.

Delta Airlines Responds: “Safety is Our Top Priority”

A Delta Airlines spokesperson confirmed:

“Delta Flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine. We apologize to our customers for the delay but always put safety above all else.”

This event has renewed discussions around aircraft aging, preventive maintenance practices, and the need for enhanced real-time monitoring systems.

Aviation Safety Under Spotlight

The incident comes amid increasing scrutiny over Boeing aircraft safety and fleet reliability, especially within the U.S. domestic aviation sector. With over 107 million passenger sessions recorded in U.S. air travel over the past 90 days, aviation safety remains a critical national focus.

Experts continue to emphasize the importance of:

• Predictive engine diagnostics
• Modern fleet upgrades
• Proactive inspection protocols

Such incidents highlight the ongoing need for rigorous maintenance standards and close collaboration between the FAA and airlines to ensure the highest safety standards are upheld.

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