LAS VEGAS, Jun 26 (Alliance News): An American Airlines flight bound for Charlotte was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Harry Reid International Airport on Wednesday morning, after the aircraft’s left engine emitted smoke and was reportedly seen on fire by eyewitnesses.
Flight 1665, an Airbus A321 carrying 153 passengers and six crew members, departed Las Vegas at 8:11am local time when passengers and observers noticed smoke trailing from the engine.
Some witnesses also reported flames and loud rumbling sounds. Patrick Chapin, a passenger aboard the flight, described hearing a “boom” followed by continuous rumbling, raising fears among those on board.
The pilot quickly declared an emergency and returned to the airport, landing the aircraft safely without further incident. According to American Airlines, the plane taxied to the gate under its own power, and all passengers deplaned normally without injury.
In a statement, the airline praised the “professionalism of our crew” and confirmed that the aircraft had been removed from service for inspection and necessary repairs.
Preliminary checks by airline mechanics reportedly found no signs of an actual fire, despite eyewitness claims and video footage that appeared to show black smoke trailing from the engine.
Airport spokesperson Luke Nimmo verified that the emergency landing was handled without complications.
A video captured by a local resident, Annette Riding, corroborated reports of smoke emitting from the left engine shortly after takeoff, according to Queen City News.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal investigation into the incident.
This emergency landing is the latest in a troubling series of aviation incidents in 2025. Earlier this month, an Air India flight crashed, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
In January, a mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter claimed 67 lives, intensifying scrutiny on global aviation safety standards.
