A routine flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta turned into a tense situation on July 18 when a Delta Air Lines aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, a Boeing 767 with the tail number N836MH, had just departed from Los Angeles International Airport when signs of a potential engine fire in the left engine prompted the pilots to declare an emergency and turn the plane back.
The flight, numbered DL446, was being operated on a 24-year-old Boeing 767-400 model powered by GE CF6 engines. As the plane climbed over the Pacific Ocean shortly after takeoff, the crew noticed what appeared to be abnormal signs in the left engine. According to reports from Flightradar24, the aircraft made a turn inland over areas like Downey and Paramount, giving the crew time to assess the situation and follow emergency protocols before lining up for a return landing at LAX.
Incredible footage captured by the YouTube channel LA Flights showed flames visibly emanating from the aircraft’s left engine while it was still airborne. The live broadcast later documented the plane’s emergency landing, where it was met by ground response teams and fire trucks from Los Angeles World Airports.
Airport emergency personnel quickly responded to the situation. Units on standby were deployed immediately and managed to extinguish the fire upon the plane’s return to the runway. The airport’s firefighting units, including ARFF2, 0870, and 089, performed a visual check on the aircraft once it had landed to confirm the fire had been fully put out. The plane was then towed for further technical assessment.
Thankfully, all passengers and crew were reported safe with no injuries during the incident. Eyewitnesses and passengers said the pilot calmly informed everyone on board about the situation, adding that emergency teams were working to verify that the fire was no longer active.
The incident has drawn attention due to the aircraft’s age and the swift, composed response of both the flight crew and airport emergency teams. While Boeing aircraft are known for their safety and resilience, such incidents underline the importance of regular maintenance and emergency readiness.
The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to look into the cause of the fire as part of routine post-incident investigations. Delta Airlines has not released a detailed statement yet, but the quick coordination between air traffic control, ground units, and the flight crew has been praised by aviation watchers.
With passengers safely on the ground and the situation under control, this emergency serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the professionalism required to keep it safe.
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