An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after one of its engines began emitting smoke and sparks shortly after takeoff.
The flight, American Airlines Flight 1665, an Airbus A321, had departed Las Vegas en route to Charlotte, North Carolina, when the crew detected a serious engine malfunction. Witnesses reported seeing smoke and bright sparks trailing from one side of the aircraft moments after takeoff.
The pilots acted swiftly, declaring an emergency and returning the aircraft to the airport. The plane landed safely at approximately 8:20 a.m. local time. Emergency response crews, including airport firefighters, were on standby and immediately inspected the affected engine upon landing.
All 165 passengers aboard the flight were safely evacuated. According to airline officials, the aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and passengers deplaned without incident. No injuries were reported.
In a statement, American Airlines praised the professionalism of the crew:
“The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally. 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.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. Aviation analysts note that while such mechanical issues are rare, they underscore the importance of routine safety protocols and crew preparedness.
The affected aircraft will remain grounded pending a full mechanical inspection.