American Airlines Flight 1665 Returns to Las Vegas After Engine Smoke Sparks FAA Probe

An American Airlines Airbus A321 operating as Flight 1665 returned to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning after smoke and intermittent bursts of flames were seen coming from its left engine shortly after departure. The aircraft had taken off at about 8:11 a.m. local time en route to Charlotte, North Carolina, and was airborne for less than ten minutes before the crew declared an emergency.

American Airlines said all 153 passengers and six crew members deplaned without injury after the jet taxied to the gate under its own power. Videos filmed from the ground captured loud bangs and a trail of smoke as the aircraft turned back toward the airport. The carrier removed the plane from service for further inspection by maintenance personnel.

The Federal Aviation Administration classified the incident as an engine issue and has opened an investigation. Findings will determine whether a mechanical fault, such as a compressor stall, caused the disturbance. Flight 1665’s passengers were re-accommodated on a replacement aircraft later in the day.