FAA launches investigation into Sun Country Airlines engine fire incident
- On July 14, 2025, a Sun Country Airlines flight returned to Los Angeles due to an engine emergency shortly after takeoff.
- The FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident where flames were seen coming from the right engine.
- The airline prioritized passenger safety and rescheduled another flight for those affected by the delay.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, a Sun Country Airlines flight experienced a serious engine emergency shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA. Flight 430, which was headed for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, began to show concerning signs when flames were observed coming from the right engine. Passengers on board reported hearing a loud noise, and one passenger described it as sounding like lightning striking the plane. As a result of the emergency, the flight crew declared an emergency and returned to LAX safely within 25 minutes of departure. Upon landing, emergency services were on standby and awaited the plane's arrival, ensuring that all safety protocols were followed. After safely returning to the gate, the flight had a total of 166 passengers and six crew members onboard. Unfortunately, the passengers were significantly delayed, with their rescheduled flight to Minneapolis not departing until just before 3 p.m. CST, nearly eight hours late. This incident has raised safety concerns, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to open an investigation into the matter. Passengers expressed their fears during the emergency, with one recalling the harrowing moments when flames were visible from her seat next to the problematic engine. The situation caused a great deal of anxiety, and passengers leaned on each other for support as they braced for potential disaster. Despite the distressing circumstances, the airline emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew was its top priority. The professionalism displayed by the flight crew during the crisis was also acknowledged by Sun Country Airlines in their official statement. This incident is particularly alarming as it follows a series of safety events in the aviation sector. Just months prior, a Delta Airlines flight that had originated from the same Minneapolis airport experienced a catastrophic event when it landed upside down at Toronto Pearson International Airport, resulting in multiple injuries among the passengers onboard. The airline later chose to compensate its passengers, indicating a growing focus on accountability within the airline industry. The FAA investigation into the Sun Country situation will be crucial in determining the cause of the engine failure and ensuring that measures are put in place to prevent future occurrences.