DHL Cargo Plane Catches Fire During Landing at LAX

A cargo plane operating on behalf of DHL caught fire while landing at Los Angeles International Airport late Wednesday night after its brakes overheated and blew four tires, prompting a rapid response from airport fire crews.

The incident happened around 11:10 p.m. as the aircraft touched down at LAX after arriving from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Video from the scene showed flames shooting from beneath the plane as it rolled down the runway, with several loud pops – believed to be the tires failing – audible in footage of the landing.

The Boeing 737 was operated by Kalitta Charters II on behalf of DHL, the global shipping and logistics company. The aircraft was carrying cargo, not passengers, at the time of the incident.

What We Know So Far

Airport fire crews responded within minutes, working to contain the flames as the aircraft was secured on the runway. DHL said in a statement:

[the aircraft] experienced an apparent brake system issue upon landing... which resulted in a brake overheat.

No injuries were reported, and the company confirmed all crew members were safe.

Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration indicated the aircraft's brakes locked upon landing, causing them to overheat and blow four tires, which sparked the fire. The FAA said it is investigating the incident. It has not been confirmed whether the National Transportation Safety Board will join the inquiry.

Impact on Airport Operations

The fire caused a temporary closure of the affected runway at LAX, one of the busiest airports in the country, as crews extinguished the flames and cleared the aircraft. Some flights faced delays while operations were restored. Travelers heading to or from Los Angeles were advised to check with their airlines for updates.

LAX handles thousands of flights each day, and disruptions on a single runway can create ripple effects across the broader air traffic network. By Thursday morning, DHL said it was working to move the aircraft to allow for further inspection and assessment.

DHL's Response

DHL confirmed the brake-related cause in a statement following the incident and said it was cooperating with aviation authorities. The company operates a large network of cargo flights through contracted carriers like Kalitta Charters II, moving packages and freight around the world. Cargo flights make up a significant share of activity at major airports like LAX, particularly during high-demand shipping periods.

Brake and Tire Failures in Cargo Aviation

Brake overheating leading to tire failure is a known, if uncommon, cause of runway fires in commercial and cargo aviation. When brakes lock or generate excessive heat during landing, the resulting friction can ignite tires, which are built with flammable rubber compounds under high pressure. Investigators typically review maintenance records, brake system performance, and landing data to determine why the overheating occurred. 

Because the Boeing 737 relies on external emergency intervention rather than onboard suppression systems for wheel well fires, the swift response from airport emergency crews was critical in preventing a more serious outcome.

What Happens Next

The FAA's investigation is expected to focus on the aircraft's brake system and the circumstances that led to the overheating. DHL said it will continue working with regulators as the review proceeds.