LATAM Airlines Peru flight LA2302, an Airbus A320 scheduled to fly from Lima to Piura, suffered a serious technical incident before departure on 19 October. Large flames and smoke emerged around the aircraft’s left engine at Jorge Chávez International Airport, prompting airport emergency crews to extinguish the fire and passengers to disembark. The aircraft did not take off, no injuries were reported and affected passengers were rebooked on a later service.
LATAM characterised the occurrence as an unforeseen technical event and confirmed that its safety procedures were activated. The circumstances are under investigation, while the airline has not disclosed the aircraft’s registration, engine type, damage extent or the component involved.
Images circulating online appear to show flames extending from the engine area towards parts of the left wing and trailing-edge control surfaces. However, available information does not establish whether the fire originated inside the engine or in an adjacent aircraft system. Reports that the wing itself caught fire, or that a specific engine model was installed, therefore remain unconfirmed.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was still on the ground and resulted in the cancellation or rescheduling of the planned Lima–Piura departure. Technical teams are expected to assess the aircraft before its return to service, but no details on the investigation’s findings or the aircraft’s operational status have been released.