On January 9, 2026, American Airlines flight AA83, operated by a Boeing 777-223ER registered N797AN, was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) shortly after departure due to a significant water leak affecting multiple lavatories.
The Flight to Auckland…
The aircraft had just reached its initial cruising altitude of FL320 en route to Auckland, New Zealand, when the crew made the decision to divert back to Los Angeles.
The incident occurred approximately 55 minutes into the flight.
According to passenger accounts, one of the aircraft’s toilets began flooding, resulting in an unpleasant stench throughout the cabin.
The leak rendered several lavatories inoperative, prompting the crew to prioritize passenger comfort and safety by initiating a return.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 07L without further complications.
About The American Airlines Boeing 777…
The affected aircraft, N797AN, is a 25-year-old Boeing 777-223ER with manufacturer serial number 30012 and line number 321.
It was built in Everett, Washington, and first flew on January 16, 2001. Delivered to American Airlines on January 26, 2001, the aircraft remains active in the fleet.
It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 892-17 engines and configured in a three-class layout: 37 business class seats, 24 premium economy, and 212 economy seats.
Notably, it was reconfigured from a previous layout of F16C35Y194 in 2018.
Aircraft Replaced in Los Angeles…
Following the diversion, American Airlines arranged for a replacement aircraft—another Boeing 777-200, registration N765AN—to operate the flight to Auckland.
The substitute flight departed later that day and arrived in New Zealand with a delay of approximately 19 hours.
While the incident did not pose a direct safety threat, it underscores the operational challenges airlines face when dealing with onboard system failures, particularly those affecting passenger amenities.
Lavatory functionality is critical on long-haul flights, and the decision to return reflects American Airlines’ commitment to maintaining service standards and ensuring a comfortable environment for its passengers.
A lavatory water leak on a Boeing 777 can compromise multiple onboard systems. It may disable vacuum flush mechanisms, flood cabin areas, and damage electrical components beneath the floor.
If the leak spreads, it can render several toilets inoperative, creating hygiene issues and discomfort—especially on long-haul flights.
The stench and sanitation risks often force crews to divert or return to base.
Maintenance teams must inspect for corrosion, wet insulation, and potential avionics impact.
Even a minor leak can escalate into a costly disruption, delaying schedules and requiring extensive repairs.
The FAA has not issued a formal statement regarding the event, and no injuries were reported.
Maintenance teams are expected to inspect and repair the affected systems before N797AN returns to service.
This incident adds to the operational history of N797AN, a long-serving widebody in American’s international fleet, and highlights the importance of proactive crew decision-making in managing in-flight disruptions.
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