Delta Flight DL446 Suffers Engine Fire, Returns to Los Angeles | Exclusive

LOS ANGELES— Atlanta-based carrier Delta Air Lines (DL) flight DL446, operating from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), returned to LAX following an in-flight engine fire shortly after takeoff on July 18, 2025.

The Boeing 767 landed safely with emergency services on standby.

Photo: FlightRadar24

Delta Flight DL446 Engine Fire

The aircraft, which departed LAX on 18 July 2025, was en route to Atlanta (ATL) when the flight crew reported a possible engine fire on the left engine.

Firefighting crews confirmed the fire had been extinguished upon landing, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

Flight DL446 had just departed Los Angeles (LAX) when the pilots detected indications of an engine fire in the left engine. The crew promptly declared an emergency and requested an immediate return to the departure airport. Air Traffic Control (ATC) guided the aircraft back to LAX while alerting airport emergency services.

Photo: L.A FLIGHTS | YouTube Channel

Flightradar24 data shows that DL446 initially climbed out over the Pacific before circling back inland over Downey and Paramount areas, allowing time for the crew to complete checklists and prepare for a safe landing. The aircraft maintained a controlled altitude and speed during the maneuver.

Upon landing, the Boeing 767-432(ER) was met by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) emergency vehicles, including units 089, 0870, and ARFF2.

Ground crews visually inspected the engine to ensure the fire was fully extinguished before the aircraft was towed for further evaluation.

Passengers onboard described hearing the captain’s announcement stating that fire crews were “verifying that the engine fire is out.”

Live footage from the aviation enthusiast channel “LA Flights” on YouTube captured the aircraft’s emergency return, including visible flames on the left engine and the coordinated ground response.

Partial ATC communications can be heard in the livestream, offering insights into the incident handling.

The flight was operated by Boeing 767-400, registered as N836MH. Further, it is a 24.6-year-old aircraft powered by two GE CF6 engines.

Photo: Andrew E. Cohen | Flickr

Similar Incident

Delta Air Lines (DL) flight DL105 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff on January 1, 2025.

The Atlanta-based carrier operates two daily services between Atlanta (ATL) and São Paulo (GRU) using its Airbus A330 fleet, specifically the A330neo aircraft.

Delta flight DL105, an Airbus A330-900neo registered N408DX, departed Atlanta (ATL) at 11:31 PM UTC (6:31 AM local time). As per FlightRadar24 data, while climbing through 4,725 feet, the flight crew reported an engine fire and mechanical problems on the aircraft’s left engine.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the crew did not declare an emergency but promptly contacted Atlanta Air Traffic Control (ATC). Prioritizing passenger safety, the crew made the decision to return to Atlanta without delay. The aircraft landed safely back at ATL at 12:07 AM UTC (7:07 AM local time).

Due to this situation, the aircraft did not have sufficient time to burn off fuel, leading to a heavy landing. Firefighting teams were on standby and sprayed the aircraft’s brakes, which had overheated during the landing procedure.

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