Was there soemthing wrong with the engine (Boeing 747)?
this is quite normal. the power required for a 747 at takeoff, in addition with the nighttime lighting and possible other atmospheric phenomenons (humidity temperature etc.) can let you see the back of the engines glowing. when the 747’s engines are firewalled, or close to firewall, it is essentially on afterburner, like a fighter jet, the back will glow and sometimes a little flame can be seen from the proper angle. You can see if from directly behind of course but the thrust will blow you a few miles away like a leaf.
