Delta Boeing 767 Flight Makes Emergency Landing at LAX After Engine Fire
A Delta Boeing 767 aircraft en route from Los Angeles to Atlanta made a dramatic return to LAX on July 18 following an engine fire—highlighting the importance of flight crew readiness and emergency response coordination. The Boeing 767, operating as Delta Flight DL446, encountered signs of fire in its left engine shortly after takeoff, prompting an immediate change of course.
Mid-Air Incident Sparks Emergency Protocols
Within minutes of departure from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the flight crew noticed visual cues of a potential engine fire. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-400, tail number N836MH, powered by GE CF6 engines and in service for over 24 years.
Without delay, the pilots declared an emergency, coordinated with Air Traffic Control (ATC), and began a return trajectory. The plane looped inland over Downey and Paramount, allowing the crew time to complete safety checks and prepare for a controlled descent back to LAX.
Fire Response Swift, No Injuries Reported
Upon landing, emergency response units from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), including ARFF2 and other firefighting teams, met the aircraft on the tarmac. The flames were extinguished quickly and efficiently. Crews then conducted a full engine inspection to ensure the fire was completely out.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, thanks to the swift and effective handling of the situation.
Livestream and Passenger Accounts Offer Glimpse Into Emergency
The event was partially broadcast live by aviation channel “LA Flights,” which captured the moment the aircraft landed with visible flames near its left engine. Inside the cabin, passengers reported calm communication from the cockpit. According to multiple accounts, the captain informed everyone that emergency teams were “verifying that the engine fire is out.”
ATC audio clips, shared through livestreams and aviation forums, provided further details on how professionally the emergency was managed.
Aircraft Details and Flight Path Insights
Data from Flightradar24 confirmed that the aircraft took a calculated turn over the Pacific before maneuvering inland. This detour was essential for maintaining flight stability and complying with standard emergency protocols. The Boeing 767 maintained safe speed and altitude throughout the episode, further reinforcing the flight crew’s competence under pressure.
After landing, the plane was safely towed for further inspection and maintenance, with the engine undergoing a thorough diagnostic review.
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