A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta was forced to make an emergency landing just moments after takeoff Friday when one of its engines caught fire in mid-air, stunning passengers and aviation watchers alike.
The aircraft, a Boeing 767 operating as Delta Flight 446, had just departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) when the unexpected occurred. As the jet climbed into the sky, the left engine suddenly burst into flames—captured on dramatic video footage shared by aviation enthusiasts from the popular YouTube channel L.A. Flights.
The chilling clip shows bright orange flames flickering violently from the engine as the plane ascends, its silhouette cutting through the California sky. Witnesses on the ground could only watch in disbelief as the massive jetliner, carrying 229 passengers and 9 crew members, began circling back toward the airport.
According to a spokesperson for Delta, “Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine.” The crew followed standard emergency procedures, maintaining communication with air traffic control while preparing for a possible fire containment scenario in-flight. (SEE VIDEO)