Southwest 737-700 Engine Failure Forces LAX Landing After BUR-PHX

(LOS ANGELES) A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 bound for Phoenix made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday after the crew reported an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Hollywood Burbank Airport.

The incident occurred on September 11, 2025, and the airline said the plane landed safely at LAX with no injuries. Passengers were rebooked on later flights to Phoenix, and the aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power.

Immediate actions and crew response

Southwest Airlines confirmed the event and praised the crew for their quick actions. The pilots declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest suitable airport — in this case LAX, a larger airfield with more emergency response resources.

The decision followed standard checklists for in-flight engine anomalies on the 737-700 and reflects current training procedures for such events. The airline said safety remained the top priority and that customer service teams provided updates and alternative travel options after the diversion.

“Pilots declared an emergency, notified air traffic control, and set up for an immediate return to an airport that could support an emergency landing,” the airline said.

Investigation and official response

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into the engine failure; there are no preliminary findings at this time.
• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to join the probe, as is common for significant in-flight engine events.
• Southwest Airlines said it is cooperating with federal officials and will support the technical review.

While investigators work, engineers will examine:

• engine health data and inspection logs
• pilot reports and any cockpit alerts recorded by onboard systems
• maintenance records and possible engine teardown results

Regulators will review whether recommended inspections were current and whether parts showed fatigue or damage typical of high-use fleets. For official updates, follow the FAA Newsroom.

What happened on the ground

• Passengers were deplaned at LAX and rebooked onto later flights to Phoenix.
• Customer service teams provided updates, re-accommodation options, and on-the-ground support as needed.
• The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power, and officials reported no fire or structural damage upon landing — suggesting the failure was contained and systems remained stable enough for a normal rollout and taxi-in.

Technical context — the aircraft and engines

The Boeing 737-700 is a mainstay of the Southwest fleet. While in-flight engine failures are rare, industry standards require crews to follow strict procedures to keep the aircraft safe and stable. Typical actions include:

1. Managing thrust on the remaining engine
2. Running emergency checklists
3. Preparing for and executing an immediate landing if necessary

Aviation safety experts note that crew training combined with aircraft design helps deliver safe outcomes when a serious mechanical issue occurs.

Industry trends and inspections

In recent months, airlines and regulators have stepped up checks on the CFM56 engines commonly used on the 737-700. Following a handful of engine-related events across the industry in 2024 and 2025, the FAA issued advisories for more frequent ultrasonic inspections of fan blades and other parts on high-cycle engines.

• Airlines, including Southwest, strengthened emergency training and reinforced compliance with Boeing and FAA procedures.
• These measures aim to reduce the chance of in-flight issues and improve response when they occur.

Industry analysts emphasize that even well-maintained engines can fail, especially on aircraft flying many short segments per day (increasing takeoff/landing cycles). That’s why proactive maintenance and rapid crew response are vital.

Passenger guidance and airline actions

The airline’s initial focus after an emergency landing is to move customers safely and restore normal operations. For travelers, a diversion can be jarring, so updated procedures now call for:

• Timely updates to passengers during and after an emergency landing
• Re-accommodation options on the next available flights
• On-the-ground support for meal vouchers, onward connections, or overnight stays when needed

Southwest said it rebooked affected passengers to Phoenix on later departures and provided assistance for time-sensitive plans.

Typical sequence in such events

Here is how events like Thursday’s typically unfold, according to standard procedures:

1. Detect an engine anomaly: Pilots monitor engine performance and review cockpit alerts.
2. Declare an emergency: The crew informs air traffic control to gain priority handling.
3. Decide on diversion: The nearest suitable airport is chosen based on runway length, weather, and rescue support — in this case, LAX.
4. Execute the approach and landing: Pilots follow emergency checklists and land.
5. Disembark passengers: Crews deplane customers safely and coordinate rebooking.
6. Begin the investigation: The FAA and, when appropriate, the NTSB start a formal review.

Officials have not shared a firm timeline; early updates often arrive within days, with deeper technical findings following in the weeks ahead. Any safety recommendations would be shared with carriers and maintenance shops across the United States 🇺🇸 and, if relevant, international partners operating the same engines and airframes.

Evidence and what investigators will rely on

Investigators will prioritize:

• maintenance and inspection records
• engine teardown results and component analysis
• cockpit voice and flight data recorders
• pilot statements

While social posts and passenger videos may appear publicly, formal conclusions depend on technical evidence to determine causes such as wear, foreign object damage, or other mechanical factors.

Broader safety context and possible outcomes

• If investigators detect a specific pattern or part issue, the FAA may issue further inspection mandates or operational notes to carriers.
• Airlines may adjust maintenance schedules, swap engines earlier, or perform targeted checks on parts showing early wear.
• The FAA’s current push for frequent ultrasonic inspections aims to catch small cracks or wear before they grow into larger problems, especially in fan blades and other rotating parts.

Aviation safety experts reviewing public reports said the outcome — no injuries, a controlled landing, and a calm taxi to the gate — points to strong compliance with procedures and the effectiveness of layered engineering and training.

Bottom line

• A Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank to Phoenix experienced an engine failure.
• The crew declared an emergency and diverted to LAX, where the aircraft landed safely with no injuries.
• The FAA is investigating and the NTSB is expected to participate.
• Passengers were rebooked on later flights and received assistance from airline staff.

For ongoing official updates, see the FAA newsroom at https://www.faa.gov/newsroom.