DHL Cargo Jet Suffers Fiery Landing Gear Failure at Los Angeles Airport
Los Angeles, Thursday, 27 August 2026.
A DHL cargo jet experienced a landing gear fire at Los Angeles International Airport following locked brakes, temporarily shutting a runway but causing no reported injuries.
Incident Overview
A DHL cargo aircraft experienced a significant landing gear fire upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport [1][2]. The incident occurred late Wednesday night, temporarily disrupting operations at the busy logistics hub [1][2]. Emergency crews responded quickly to extinguish flames originating from the landing gear area [1]. No immediate casualties were reported following the event [2][4].
Timeline and Pilot Report
Video footage captured the moment the aircraft touched down shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 [3][4]. Air traffic control audio recorded the pilot stating, “I don’t know if we blew a tire, but it feels like the brakes locked up” [1][3]. While tire failures were heard, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation [2][alert! ‘official cause not confirmed’]. The aircraft was reportedly arriving from Phoenix, Arizona [1][2].
Operational Impact
The emergency response forced a temporary closure of one of the runways at LAX [2]. Firefighting vehicles sprayed water on the left rear landing gear to stop the flames [1]. No injuries were reported among the crew or ground personnel during the event [2][4]. Runway operations were briefly disrupted before resuming normalcy [1].
Company Context
DHL operates as a major division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, a key player in global express freight [GPT]. The company is often associated with the ticker symbol DPWGY on OTC markets [GPT]. Representatives for DHL and LAX did not immediately comment on the specific mechanical failure [3]. This incident underscores ongoing operational risks in global express freight fleets [1].