A Miami-bound American Airlines plane partially caught fire on Sunday afternoon during takeoff at Denver International Airport, prompting an emergency evacuation. Airport authorities reported that one individual was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while five others received on-site evaluations.
The incident unfolded around 2:45 p.m. when Flight AA3023—a Boeing 737 MAX 8—experienced what was initially described as a landing gear failure. American Airlines later clarified that a technical issue with one of the tires was the cause, occurring just before takeoff.
According to CBS News, the aircraft had 173 passengers and six crew members on board. All were safely evacuated using emergency slides deployed after the situation arose. A video shared by a passenger depicted smoke emanating from beneath the aircraft as passengers disembarked.
Impact on Airport Operations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it will launch an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, American Airlines stated that the plane has been removed from service for a thorough inspection. The emergency significantly disrupted airport activities, with at least 435 flight delays and 14 cancellations reported by 5 p.m., according to monitoring site FlightAware.
Previous Incidents with American Airlines
This marks the second American Airlines aircraft incident this month. Recently, another plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Havana after a bird strike impacted the front landing gear during final approach. This event resulted in the fracture of a hydraulic pipe, causing directional control difficulties.
The airport's emergency team adhered to established protocols, ensuring a safe evacuation of passengers and providing towing assistance for the aircraft. Fortunately, the crew managed a normal landing before requesting aid.
Key Questions About the American Airlines Incident
What caused the fire on the American Airlines flight in Denver?
The fire was caused by a technical issue with one of the tires, which occurred just before takeoff.
How many people were affected by the incident?
One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and five others were assessed at the scene. All 173 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated.
How did the fire impact airport operations?
The incident led to at least 435 flight delays and 14 cancellations at Denver International Airport.