American Airlines passengers faced terrifying moments as their plane spewed smoke and sparks from an engine, forcing an emergency landing just minutes after departing Las Vegas.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines Flight 1665, carrying 165 passengers, made an emergency landing after one of its engines began emitting smoke and sparks shortly after takeoff from Las Vegas on June 25, 2025.
- The Airbus A321 safely returned to Harry Reid International Airport within approximately 10 minutes, landing at 8:20 a.m. with no injuries reported.
- The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power, and passengers deplaned normally despite the dramatic engine failure.
- Maintenance crews are assessing the aircraft, with initial reports finding no evidence of fire despite visible smoke and sparks.
- A recovery flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, was scheduled for the following day at 1:00 p.m.
Dramatic Mid-Air Emergency
Dramatic footage captured the harrowing moments when American Airlines Flight 1665 experienced a serious engine malfunction shortly after takeoff from Harry Reid International Airport on Wednesday morning. The Airbus A321, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, with 153 passengers and six crew members onboard, began emitting smoke and visible sparks from one of its engines just minutes into the flight. Bystanders on the ground and nearby aircraft captured videos showing dark smoke trailing behind the aircraft as it climbed into the Las Vegas sky.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:11 a.m. local time, creating a potentially catastrophic situation that required immediate action from the flight crew. Following standard emergency protocols, the pilots promptly notified air traffic control of the situation and requested clearance for an immediate return to the airport. The quick decision-making by the crew prevented what could have escalated into a more dangerous situation at higher altitudes or over less accessible terrain.
An American Airlines plane made an emergency landing in Las Vegas on Wednesday after smoke and sparks were seen spewing from one of its engines.
— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) June 25, 2025
Swift Emergency Response
Airport emergency crews were immediately dispatched and standing by as the troubled aircraft made its approach back to Harry Reid International. “The flight departed LAS and returned, landing safely, and there were no reported injuries,” confirmed an LAS spokesperson from Harry Reid International Airport. The plane touched down safely at approximately 8:20 a.m., just minutes after the emergency began, demonstrating the crew’s professionalism during a high-pressure situation.
“The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally,” American Airlines stated in its official response to the incident. Despite the dramatic nature of the engine failure, the aircraft maintained sufficient power to taxi without requiring a tow to the terminal. This crucial detail indicates that the pilots successfully isolated the malfunctioning engine while maintaining control of the aircraft through the emergency procedures.
Investigation and Passenger Accommodations
Following the incident, the Airbus A321 aircraft was immediately taken out of service for a comprehensive maintenance assessment. Initial examinations revealed no concrete evidence of fire in the engine, despite the visible smoke and sparks reported by witnesses and captured on video. This discrepancy will likely be a central focus of the technical investigation as mechanics work to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
“The engine on Flight 1665 began smoking just moments after taking off from Harry Reid International Airport Wednesday morning,” FAA officials told KLAS. The Federal Aviation Administration will be conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, which will include analyzing flight data recorders, inspecting the damaged engine, and interviewing the flight crew to establish a comprehensive understanding of the sequence of events.
“We appreciate the professionalism of our crew and thank our team who are working to get our customers to their destinations as quickly as possible,” American Airlines stated, highlighting the airline’s commitment to both safety and passenger accommodation. American Airlines has scheduled a recovery flight for the affected passengers, set to depart Las Vegas for Charlotte on June 26 at 1:00 p.m., allowing passengers to continue their journeys after the frightening interruption.
The incident serves as a testament to the rigorous training of commercial airline pilots and the robust safety systems built into modern aircraft. Despite a catastrophic engine failure that produced dramatic visual effects, the redundant systems of the Airbus A321 allowed for a controlled return and safe landing. President Trump’s administration has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining high safety standards in American aviation, with this incident demonstrating the effectiveness of those standards in protecting American travelers.
