On August 26, 2026, a Kalitta Charters II Boeing 737-800BDSF freighter operating as DHL Flight K5-1814 from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) suffered an apparent brake malfunction upon landing. The aircraft landed on Runway 25L at approximately 23:00 local time when four tires blew out and flames erupted from the main landing gear.
Video footage captured at the scene shows the Boeing 737 touching down normally before dense white smoke began billowing from the main gear. Seconds later, multiple loud pops were heard as flashes and flames burst beneath the fuselage. The aircraft continued its landing rollout with sparks and fire trailing behind before coming to a stop on the runway.
Air traffic control audio accompanying the flight captured the crew reporting potential mechanical trouble to the tower, with one pilot stating that the brakes felt as though they had locked up. Airport emergency fire crews arrived shortly after the aircraft stopped and sprayed down the overheated landing gear assembly. Runway 25L was kept closed into the following morning while crews remained on site.
Preliminary information released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicates that the aircraft’s brakes locked up during landing, resulting in four blown tires. The agency has launched a detailed investigation into the event. DHL confirmed in a statement that the incident was caused by an apparent brake system issue that led to severe overheating, adding that no injuries occurred and all crew members are safe.
According to FAA registry records, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft (registration N326FL) was originally manufactured in 2001 and converted from passenger to freighter configuration in December 2022. Operating carrier Kalitta Charters II is coordinating efforts to move the disabled aircraft from the runway to enable comprehensive inspections.
