An emergency landing was carried out by an American Airlines Airbus A321 on Wednesday after smoke was seen coming from its left engine shortly after takeoff from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The aircraft, operating as Flight 1665 to Charlotte, carried 153 passengers and six crew members. The pilot turned back minutes after departure and landed safely at the airport.
Smoke and Sounds Alarm Passengers
Eyewitnesses and passengers reported seeing flames and hearing a loud boom followed by rumbling. Video footage captured black smoke trailing from the engine moments after takeoff. Passenger Patrick Chapin told local media that the noise made many passengers anxious, although the situation was handled calmly by the crew.
Crew Responds Swiftly
The pilot acted immediately, guiding the aircraft back to Las Vegas. According to American Airlines, the aircraft returned to the gate under its own power and all passengers deplaned safely. No injuries were reported. “We appreciate the professionalism of our crew and thank our team for their efforts to re-accommodate passengers,” the airline said in a statement.
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Aircraft Under Inspection
American Airlines confirmed that the plane has been removed from service for further inspection and repairs. While initial reports suggested an engine fire, a preliminary inspection by airline mechanics found no visible evidence of an actual fire, only smoke.
FAA Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities will assess the aircraft’s mechanical condition, maintenance records, and pilot responses.
Ongoing Aviation Safety Concerns
This latest emergency comes amid a troubling year for global aviation. It follows a fatal Air India crash earlier in June and a deadly mid-air collision in January involving an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter that killed 67 people. These incidents have raised growing concerns over aviation safety in 2025.
Passengers from Flight 1665 were later rebooked on alternative flights to Charlotte. The FAA’s findings will determine the next steps for both American Airlines and aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
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