Quick Summary
- Delta Flight 446Â (Boeing 767-400) bound for Atlanta made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after flames erupted from its left engine shortly after takeoff.
- No injuries were reported; passengers and crew evacuated safely.
- Fire crews extinguished the fire on the runway; the cause is under investigation by the FAA.
- This is the second Delta engine incident this year, following an engine fire on a Delta Airbus A330 in April.
- The aircraft, nearly 25 years old, is powered by General Electric CF6 engines.
- Passengers reported a calm, professional response from the flight crew throughout the emergency.
Video: What Happened Aboard Delta Flight 446?
Delta Flight 446 took off from Los Angeles International Airport headed for Atlanta on Friday morning. Barely minutes into the flight, passengers and airport spotters witnessed flames shooting from the aircraft’s left engine. The Boeing 767-400, carrying 226 passengers and 9 crew members, was forced to circle back and make an emergency landing at LAX, escorted by emergency vehicles on the runway.
- The engine fire was clearly visible from the ground and captured in dramatic video footage.
- Controls and communications remained stable; the crew stayed calm and followed emergency protocols.
- All on board evacuated safely with no injuries reported.
How Did the Crew Respond and Ensure Safety?
The pilots immediately declared an emergency with air traffic control. Following strict procedures:
- The aircraft circled above the Pacific, then inland over Downey and Paramount, giving the crew time to consult checklists and prepare.
- ATC coordinated a priority return to LAX and summoned emergency responders.
- Upon touchdown, the plane taxied under its own power, while fire crews verified and extinguished any remaining flames.
Passengers recounted being informed by the captain that fire crews were confirming the engine fire’s status before disembarking. For most, relief outweighed the scare.
What Do We Know About the Aircraft and the Incident?
- The Boeing 767-400 (registration N836MH) involved is nearly 25 years old and powered by two General Electric CF6 engines.
- There were no prior technical issues reported before take-off.
- The cause of the engine fire is still unknown as of publication time, with an FAA investigation underway.
Aircraft Details Table
| Aircraft Model | Registration | Age | Engine Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 767-400 | N836MH | ~25 years | 2 × GE CF6 |
Has Delta Faced Similar Incidents Recently?
This is not an isolated incident for Delta this year:
- In April 2025, a Delta Airbus A330 experienced an engine fire while preparing for departure at Orlando International Airport. That flight, bound for Atlanta, also avoided injuries.
- Incidents like these, though still rare, highlight the importance of robust emergency training and procedures.
Why Is This Incident Important for Air Safety?
- The safe return and swift evacuation underscore why U.S. commercial aviation safety records are among the best worldwide.
- Such incidents, though frightening, rarely lead to injury when crews act decisively.
- Recency bias may amplify perceived risks, but statistically, engine failures are exceedingly uncommon and usually resolved safely.
What Should Passengers Know About Emergency Landings?
- All major airlines, including Delta, routinely drill for emergency scenarios.
- Engine fires, while dramatic, do not always threaten the aircraft thanks to strict redundancy and safety measures.
- Passengers are most protected by following crew instructions and remaining calm.
Ongoing Investigations and What Comes Next
- The FAA is conducting a full review to determine the cause of the fire and any necessary corrective actions.
- Delta has reaccommodated passengers and is cooperating fully with authorities.
- As mechanical investigations proceed, there may be recommendations for maintenance overhauls or additional crew training.
