DL446 - Engine Fire on Departure

Delta Air Lines Flight 446, operating a Boeing 767-432(ER) (registration N836MH) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), experienced a serious engine fire incident on July 18, 2025. The aircraft, a 24.6-year-old Boeing 767-400 powered by two GE CF6 engines, departed LAX at approximately 1:51 PM local time with 240 souls on board and fuel for six and a half hours. During the initial climb after takeoff from runway 25R, video footage captured flames emanating from the aircraft's left engine. The fire became visible to ground observers as the aircraft climbed through approximately 3,000 feet. Flight crew immediately detected the engine fire through cockpit indications and declared an emergency to air traffic control. Following standard emergency procedures, the crew stopped the climb at 3,000 feet and initiated an immediate return to LAX. The aircraft circled over the Downey and Paramount areas while the crew completed emergency checklists and prepared for the emergency landing. Airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) units including engines 089, 0870, and ARFF2 were pre-positioned on the runway. The Boeing 767-400 touched down safely on runway 25L at approximately 2:10 PM local time, about 15 minutes after the initial departure. Firefighting crews confirmed the engine fire had been extinguished during the approach and landing sequence. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power with no visible signs of fire at that point. All passengers and crew evacuated normally through the jetbridge with no injuries reported. The aircraft was subsequently towed to a maintenance hangar for detailed inspection and evaluation. The FAA has opened an investigation into the cause of the engine fire.