DHL-branded 737 freighter's brakes lock up on landing at LAX, tires blow

A cargo flight operating under the DHL brand experienced a landing gear fire at Los Angeles International Airport after its brakes apparently locked during touchdown. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 freighter registered N326FL and operated by Kalitta Charters II as flight K5-1814 from Phoenix, landed on runway 25L at around 11pm local time on August 26, 2026.

Video footage showed the jet touching down normally before smoke began pouring from its main landing gear. Within seconds, sparks and flames were visible beneath the aircraft as it continued its landing roll before coming to a stop. Air traffic control recordings captured the crew reporting a possible brake problem, with one pilot saying it felt as though the brakes had locked up.

Airport fire crews responded and sprayed the landing gear area. Other aircraft were held clear of the runway while the response was underway. No injuries were reported, and all crew members were said to be safe.

The Federal Aviation Administration said preliminary information pointed to the brakes locking during landing, causing four tires to blow. The agency is investigating further. DHL, in a statement, described the event as an apparent brake system issue that led to the brakes overheating.

The aircraft remained on runway 25L into the following morning as ground crews worked to move it for inspection, keeping that runway closed during the operation. According to FAA registration records, the aircraft was built in 2001 and had been converted from passenger to freighter configuration.