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An American Airlines Airbus A321 experienced an engine issue shortly after taking off from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The aircraft, operating as flight AA1665 to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, returned safely to the airport after emitting black smoke and brief flames from its right engine.
Witnesses on the ground captured video footage of the incident, with one describing it as "sounded like things exploding in Las Vegas." The plane, registered as N157UW, departed from gate D10 at 07:57 and became airborne at 08:11. It climbed to approximately 4,000 feet before turning back towards the airport. By 08:19, it had landed safely on runway 1L and was met by emergency vehicles.
American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft returned to the gate under its own power without further issues. A spokesperson stated, “American Airlines flight 1665 returned to Las Vegas (LAS) shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally."
