A LATAM Brasil Airbus A320-200 dramatically aborted takeoff on Jan 18th, 2026, after flames were seen shooting from one of its engines as the aircraft accelerated down the runway at Florianópolis.
The aircraft, registered PR-MAK and operating flight LA-3819 from Florianópolis to Brasília, was in the takeoff roll on runway 14 when persistent flames became visible from the exhaust of the left-hand V2527 engine. The flight crew immediately rejected the takeoff and brought the aircraft to a stop before taxiing to the first available turnoff and vacating the runway. Even after stopping, flames were still visible from the affected engine.
Passengers later reported that the engines were spooling up normally when the left engine suddenly began emitting continuous flames, prompting alarm in the cabin. Airport emergency services were quickly dispatched, and ground observers confirmed that firefighters responded and extinguished the engine fire.
There were no injuries among the passengers or crew, but the incident caused significant disruption. The flight was cancelled, and all passengers were rebooked on alternative services.
More than 43 hours after the rejected takeoff, the occurrence aircraft was still on the ground in Florianópolis, suggesting that maintenance teams were carrying out detailed inspections and repairs before the jet could return to service. The incident will likely be reviewed as part of standard safety and maintenance procedures to determine the cause of the engine malfunction.
