Delta flight engine fire caught on video during emergency return to LAX

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 took off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) but was forced to return and make a safe landing at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time, according to 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.

DELTA PLANE WING FLAP LANDS IN HOMEOWNER’S DRIVEWAY

“WOAH, look at that! Woah, what’s going on? That’s not good guys,” Josh can be heard commentating in the video as the fire is shown. 

The same video shows emergency response vehicles surrounding the plane as it taxied on the tarmac.

AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING AFTER ENGINE STARTS SMOKING

The Boeing 767-400 was headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) when it turned back due to the fire. The FAA has confirmed it is currently investigating the matter.

A Delta representative explained that the aircraft returned to LAX shortly after takeoff due to a warning related to the left engine. 

AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANE THAT CAUGHT FIRE HAD ENGINE PARTS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, NTSB FINDS

“Our flight crew followed standard procedures and returned safely to the gate. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” a spokesperson for the airline shared with PEOPLE. Delta also issued an apology to travelers for the disruption 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 shared with the outlet that there were nine crew members onboard—two pilots and seven flight attendants—along with 226 passengers. Everyone was able to exit the plane normally, and passengers were later 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 [email protected]