World News: After the preliminary report of the Ahmedabad plane crash raised concerns about aircraft safety, another serious incident took place in the United States. A major accident was narrowly avoided at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) when a Delta Airlines plane caught fire shortly after takeoff.
On Friday, Delta Airlines flight DL446, en route to Atlanta, encountered a sudden engine fire shortly after takeoff aboard its Boeing 767-400 aircraft. The pilot quickly declared an emergency and returned to the airport. Emergency teams were already on alert, and the plane was landed safely without any injuries.
Nearly 300 People Onboard
There were 294 people on the flight, including 282 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots. Fortunately, everyone was unharmed. Videos of the incident are now circulating on social media, showing flames and smoke coming from one of the engines.
The calm was broken when a thunderous noise startled passengers just after liftoff. Some sitting near the windows saw fire and alerted the crew. The captain then made an announcement, confirming that fire crews were checking the situation and that the aircraft would land immediately.
Boeing 787 Makes Emergency Landing in LA ?? - Engine ON FIRE ?
Video claims to show a Delta Airlines flight bound for Atlanta on Friday making an emergency landing at LAX. The engine reportedly caught fire shortly after take-off.
? @LAFlightsLIVE https://t.co/t1HBVLDi0P pic.twitter.com/vYNgkpZJcq
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) July 19, 2025Old Aircraft with Aging Engines
According to aviation sources, the aircraft involved in the incident was nearly 25 years old. It was powered by General Electric CF6 engines, which have been in service for decades. Experts say that aircraft of this age require strict and regular technical maintenance to remain safe. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Fresh Concerns About Boeing’s Safety
This incident has once again raised questions about the safety and reliability of Boeing aircraft. Just recently, India’s aviation board shared a preliminary report about the Ahmedabad crash involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, pointing to possible technical faults. Now, the Delta Airlines event has added to the growing concerns surrounding Boeing’s older aircraft models.
FAA and NTSB Begin Joint Investigation
After the emergency landing, the aircraft was taken to a secure area for inspection. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation. Officials said the aircraft will not return to service until the probe is complete.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in flying older airplanes, especially when routine checks and maintenance are not up to standard. While it is a relief that all passengers are safe, the aviation industry must now face serious questions: Are older planes with aging engines still safe to fly? And can trusted names like Boeing continue to guarantee secure travel in the skies?
