Delta Air Lines aircraft engine catches fire at John Wayne Airport

Passengers were deplaned after a Delta Air Lines aircraft engine caught fire during takeoff from John Wayne Airport (SNA) on January 11, 2023.

The Boeing B757 aircraft was bound for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and was taking off when noise erupted from the aircraft’s right side engine.

A passenger who was sitting on a window seat was able to take video footage of the aircraft’s right wing, which appeared to spark flames.

A second video clip shows thick plumes of smoke billowing from the wing.

The pilot initiated an extinguishing system while airport fire crews responded to the emergency at around 13:30 local time. The plane was eventually towed back to a boarding gate and all 172 passengers safely deplaned.

Delta released a statement regarding the incident.

“Delta flight 447, set to operate service from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Atlanta returned to the gate prior to takeoff following an apparent engine maintenance issue. The aircraft was met by local maintenance personnel for further evaluation. We apologize to our customers for this inconvenience and are working to get them to their final destinations as quickly as possible.”

There were no reports of injuries or casualties.