A Delta Air Lines flight experienced an apparent engine fire shortly after departing from California earlier this week.
On Friday, July 18, Delta flight 446 departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) but was compelled to return, executing a safe landing at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Video published by YouTube channel L.A. Flights shows visible flames coming from the plane’s left engine soon after takeoff.
In the recording, Josh, one of the channel’s co-owners, can be heard expressing concern over the fire.
Video shows flames shooting from aircraft’s left engine as it departed Los Angeles International Airport (LA Flights)
“Our flight crew adhered to standard procedures and returned safely to the gate. Ensuring the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority,” an airline spokesperson stated to PEOPLE. Delta also apologized to travelers for the inconvenience caused to their plans.
Flight data from FlightAware shows the aircraft departed at 1:23 p.m. and landed back at LAX at 2:06 p.m.
Delta informed the outlet that nine crew members were onboard—comprising two pilots and seven flight attendants—along with 226 passengers. All individuals were able to exit the plane normally, and passengers were subsequently transferred to another aircraft.
The airline also confirmed that both local firefighters and Delta’s maintenance team inspected the plane following the incident.
Fox News Digital reached out to Delta Air Lines for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
