A Delta Airlines flight traveling within the United States was forced to make an unexpected emergency landing after a sudden and intense engine fire broke out shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport. The aircraft, bound for Atlanta, experienced the mid-air emergency just minutes into its journey, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and return to LAX. The fire in the left engine triggered a rapid aviation safety response, with airport firefighting units deployed to secure the landing. Thanks to the crew’s swift actions and precise coordination with air traffic control, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were unharmed, averting what could have been a far more serious incident.

Delta Airlines Boeing 767 Returns to LAX After Engine Fire Shortly After Takeoff on July 18, 2025

A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta made an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on July 18, 2025, after its left engine caught fire shortly after departure. The incident, which involved Flight DL446, highlights the critical role of swift crew response and airport emergency services in maintaining aviation safety.

Incident Overview

Flight DL446, operated by Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, departed from Los Angeles at its scheduled time and was en route to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) when the flight crew observed abnormal indications suggesting a fire in the aircraft’s left engine. The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 767-400ER, a wide-body twin-engine jet, registered as N836MH and equipped with two General Electric CF6 engines.

Just minutes after liftoff, as the aircraft climbed over the Pacific Ocean, the pilots declared an emergency due to the engine anomaly and requested a priority return to LAX. According to radar tracking from Flightradar24, the aircraft ascended before circling over the Downey and Paramount areas, maintaining controlled altitude and speed while the crew carried out emergency protocols.

Emergency Response and Safe Landing

As the aircraft prepared to return, air traffic controllers coordinated closely with emergency response teams at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). Fire and rescue units, including ARFF2 and ground vehicles 089 and 0870, were immediately dispatched to meet the arriving plane.

The Boeing 767 landed safely back at LAX, where fire crews were able to confirm that the flames had been extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or the crew. Passengers remained calm during the return, and the captain reportedly made announcements to reassure travelers as fire crews performed post-landing checks.

Upon landing, the aircraft was brought to a controlled stop, and fire personnel conducted a visual inspection to verify that the fire had been completely extinguished. The aircraft was later towed to a designated maintenance area for a more thorough examination.

Eyewitness Coverage and Media Attention

Live coverage from aviation enthusiasts streaming on YouTube via the “LA Flights” channel showed the aircraft’s emergency landing in real time. Viewers could see flames coming from the left engine as the aircraft descended back to LAX. The video also captured partial air traffic control communications, providing additional insight into the coordinated efforts to ensure a safe landing.

Aircraft Details

The aircraft involved in the incident, N836MH, is a 24.6-year-old Boeing 767-432(ER). This long-range model is commonly used on transcontinental and international routes by Delta Air Lines. The Boeing 767 family has served the airline reliably for decades, and although aging, these aircraft are subject to stringent maintenance and inspection protocols.

Previous Similar Event

This is not the first time Delta has faced a similar situation this year. On January 1, 2025, another Delta flight, DL105, experienced a left engine fire shortly after takeoff from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. That flight, bound for São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) in Brazil, was being operated with an Airbus A330-900neo registered as N408DX.

According to flight tracking data, DL105 had just climbed through approximately 4,725 feet when the crew identified a problem with the left engine. Though the crew did not formally declare an emergency, they promptly notified Atlanta Air Traffic Control and turned back toward ATL. The aircraft landed safely despite a heavy landing due to insufficient time to burn off fuel. Emergency crews were ready on the tarmac and sprayed the aircraft’s brakes to prevent overheating.

Investigation and Safety Protocols

In the case of DL446, federal aviation authorities, along with Delta’s internal safety team, are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the engine fire. All aircraft are designed with robust systems that isolate and extinguish engine fires, and the successful handling of this situation underscores the importance of training and protocol compliance.

Aircraft engine fires, while rare, are taken extremely seriously. The swift action of DL446’s flight crew, who followed standard operating procedures, allowed all passengers to return safely. Incidents like this also emphasize the importance of regular aircraft maintenance, especially for older models still in active service.

A Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta was forced to make an emergency return after a sudden engine fire mid-air triggered a major aviation safety response. Quick action by the crew ensured a safe landing with no injuries reported.

The emergency return of Delta Flight DL446 on July 18, 2025, was a dramatic yet professionally managed event that ensured the safety of everyone on board. From the moment the fire was detected to the safe landing and firefighting response, the coordination between Delta’s crew and Los Angeles airport authorities was swift and effective. As investigations proceed, Delta is expected to review the findings closely to prevent similar events in the future and uphold its commitment to safety and operational excellence.