Introduction
On 25 March 2025, a Volaris Airbus A320-200 aircraft, registration N515VL, operating on behalf of Volaris El Salvador as flight N3-4309, experienced an in-flight engine-related anomaly shortly after reaching cruising altitude. The aircraft, which had departed Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) en route to San Salvador International Airport (MSLP), levelled off at FL350 approximately 160 nautical miles southeast of Los Angeles before the flight crew elected to return to the departure airport due to concerns with the No. 2 engine, an IAE V2527-A5 turbofan.
The aircraft landed safely at Los Angeles approximately 65 minutes after departure. There were no reported injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into the occurrence.
Flight and Aircraft Information
• Operator: Volaris (on behalf of Volaris El Salvador)
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-200
• Registration: N515VL
• Engines: 2 × IAE V2527-A5
• Flight Number: N3-4309
• Route: Los Angeles (LAX) to San Salvador (SAL)
• Date of Occurrence: 25 March 2025
• Occupants: Not officially stated (standard A320 configuration typically seats 150–180)
• Phase of Flight: Cruise (FL350)
• Location of Event: ~160nm southeast of Los Angeles, California, USA
• Final Outcome: Safe return to KLAX, no injuries, aircraft grounded for inspection
Sequence of Events
Flight N3-4309 was scheduled to depart Los Angeles on the evening of 24 March 2025 for a late-night service to San Salvador. The aircraft took off from runway 25R at KLAX during the early morning hours of 25 March and climbed normally to its cruising altitude of FL350.
Shortly after levelling off, approximately 160 nautical miles southeast of Los Angeles over southern California, the flight crew detected abnormal engine parameters from the aircraft’s right-hand engine (No. 2), a V2527-A5 unit. Details of the specific indications have not yet been made public but were sufficient to trigger concern regarding the continued safe operation of the engine.
Following standard procedures, the crew initiated a return to Los Angeles and coordinated with air traffic control for a priority approach. A precautionary emergency was declared. Descent and approach were executed without incident, and the aircraft landed safely on runway 25L at KLAX at approximately 01:20 local time.
Emergency services were placed on standby for the landing but were not required to intervene upon touchdown. The aircraft vacated the runway and taxied to the gate under its own power.
Post-Landing Inspection and Aircraft Status
Upon return to the gate, the aircraft was taken out of service and subjected to a preliminary inspection by maintenance personnel. As of the latest update (7 hours post-landing), the aircraft remains on the ground in Los Angeles pending a full diagnostic evaluation of the right engine and associated systems.
No fire, structural failure, or in-flight shutdown was reported, but engine performance irregularities may necessitate component removal for detailed inspection or replacement depending on the outcome of maintenance findings.
Regulatory and Safety Oversight
In a public statement, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident:
“Volaris Flight 4309 landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport around 1:20 a.m. local time on Tuesday, March 25, after the crew reported possible engine issues. The Airbus A320 was headed to San Salvador International Airport in El Salvador. The FAA will investigate.”
The investigation will focus on identifying the root cause of the engine anomaly and determining whether any mechanical, sensor, or software malfunction occurred. Additionally, engine maintenance history, oil analysis, recent performance data, and pilot actions will be reviewed.
Crew Response and Handling
The crew of flight N3-4309 demonstrated appropriate airmanship and adherence to emergency procedures throughout the event. The timely identification of the engine issue, decisive action to return, and smooth coordination with ATC and ground services all contributed to the safe outcome of the flight.
There are currently no reports of passenger distress or medical issues. No evacuation was required, and the landing was conducted within standard parameters.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological conditions in the region at the time of the incident were reported as favourable. VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) prevailed throughout the flight’s climb, cruise, and return leg. No meteorological anomalies were believed to have contributed to the engine issue.
Conclusion
The incident involving Volaris flight N3-4309 on 25 March 2025 was effectively managed by the flight crew following the detection of an in-flight engine anomaly. The Airbus A320-200 returned safely to Los Angeles, where it remains grounded pending further engineering inspection. No injuries were reported, and the FAA has launched a formal investigation into the event.
Pending the outcome of maintenance evaluations and regulatory oversight, the aircraft will remain out of service. Findings from the investigation may inform future operational or maintenance procedures related to the V2527-A5 engine series.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 25 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced material and wish for it to be removed, please contact: takedown@cockpitking.com.
