20.10.2026 10:40
In Lima, the capital of Peru, the engine of a LATAM Airlines passenger plane caught fire during takeoff preparations. As flames rising from under the plane's left wing were captured on passengers' cameras, emergency teams at the airport sprang into action.
A passenger plane belonging to LATAM Airlines in Peru caused great panic when flames rose from the engine section during takeoff preparations. As the moments when flames rose from under the plane's left wing were captured on camera, emergency procedures were activated at the airport. While passengers were evacuated as a precaution, no one was injured in the incident.
ENGINE SECTION CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PREPARING FOR TAKEOFF
The incident occurred on the morning of October 19 at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru's capital, Lima. A fire broke out in the left engine and wing section of LATAM Airlines flight LA2302, an Airbus A320 passenger plane preparing to fly from Lima to the city of Piura.
In the incident, which occurred at around 05:45 local time, takeoff procedures were halted on the aircraft, which had not yet taken off. The airport fire department moved into action to intervene in the flames.
FLAMES ROSE BEFORE THE PASSENGERS' EYES
In footage recorded at the airport, thick smoke and flames were seen rising from under the plane's left wing. In images captured by a passenger sitting in a seat near the wing, it was noteworthy that the fire could also be seen from inside the aircraft.
A passenger speaking to local media said that the pilot made a takeoff announcement and that the fire started after the engines were started.
PASSENGERS EVACUATED, NO ONE INJURED
Following the fire, the airport fire department intervened in the aircraft and brought the flames under control. LATAM Airlines announced that passengers on board were evacuated for safety reasons.
Authorities announced that no injuries occurred in the incident. The airline reported that support was provided to affected passengers and that they were directed to alternative flights so they could continue their journeys.
STATEMENT FROM THE AIRLINE
LATAM Airlines announced that the incident occurred due to an unexpected technical problem experienced before takeoff. A technical inspection was initiated on the aircraft to determine the exact cause of the fire.
While the company emphasized that passenger safety is their priority, it was reported that other flights at the airport were not affected by the incident.
SECOND AVIATION INCIDENT IN ONE WEEK
Peru's Ombudsman's Office drew attention to the fact that a serious technical problem was experienced for the second time in less than a week on aircraft belonging to the same airline.
On October 16, a LATAM plane traveling from Lima to São Paulo, Brazil, had to return to Lima after experiencing a cabin pressure problem during the flight. More than 200 passengers on that plane were transferred to another aircraft.
Following the successive incidents, the competent authorities in Peru called for increased aviation inspections and a detailed investigation into the causes of both incidents.