Delta A330 Returns Safely to São Paulo After Engine Fire During Takeoff

Delta A330 Returns Safely After Engine Fire During Takeoff

Delta Air Lines Flight 104 returned safely to São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport following an engine fire shortly after takeoff on March 29, 2026. The Airbus A330-323, registered N813NW, experienced a left engine failure seconds after rotation on its flight bound for Atlanta. The crew declared an emergency and landed safely approximately 10 minutes later with no injuries reported among the 286 people aboard.

Dramatic Engine Failure Captured on Video

Witness video captured dramatic footage of flames and sparks shooting from the aircraft's left Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engine during the incident. Debris from the engine failure ignited a grass fire near the runway, prompting an immediate response from airport rescue and firefighting teams. The visual evidence suggests the incident may have involved an uncontained engine failure, though Delta has confirmed only that a mechanical issue occurred without specifying the exact cause.

Investigation Continues

Brazilian aviation authority ANAC and the FAA have launched investigations into the incident. The aircraft remains grounded at São Paulo-Guarulhos for technical assessment and inspection. Flight operations at the airport experienced some delays due to debris clearance and safety procedures following the emergency landing.