An unexpected incident captured the attention of passengers, onlookers, and social media users alike on Friday, July 18, when a Delta Air Lines aircraft was forced to make an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after experiencing engine trouble.
Flight 446, a Boeing 767-400 bound for Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), took off at 1:23 p.m., according to data from FlightAware. However, shortly after departure, the crew detected a potential issue with the aircraft’s left engine, prompting the pilots to turn back. The plane landed safely at 2:06 p.m., just 43 minutes after takeoff.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the emergency landing occurred at 2:10 p.m. local time and announced that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the apparent engine fire. The agency added that further details should be obtained directly from the airline.
In statements to Fox News Digital, a Delta spokesperson said, “Delta Flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after takeoff following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine.” The airline emphasized that all emergency procedures were followed according to both company protocols and federal safety standards.
The aircraft was carrying 226 passengers and nine crew members—two pilots and seven flight attendants. Everyone disembarked without incident and was later rebooked on another aircraft to continue the journey to Atlanta.
Footage captured by LA Flights showed emergency response vehicles surrounding the aircraft on the runway as passengers awaited instructions. Firefighters and Delta maintenance crews conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft for damage and to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
Local broadcaster KTLA reported that the plane briefly flew over the Pacific Ocean before returning to land, passing over areas including Downey and Paramount.
In a public statement, Delta apologized for the disruption and thanked passengers for their patience: “As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew, the flight crew followed procedures and returned safely to the gate. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans.”
The incident highlights the effectiveness of emergency protocols and the coordination between airlines and airport authorities during critical situations.
