A American Airlines plane bound for Miami caught fire partially on Sunday afternoon during the takeoff process at Denver International Airport, which triggered an emergency evacuation.
A person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and five others were assessed at the scene, according to airport authorities reported.
The incident occurred around 2:45 PM when flight AA3023 —a Boeing 737 MAX 8— experienced what was initially reported as a landing gear failure.
Later, American Airlines clarified that it was a technical issue related to one of the tires, which began before takeoff.
According to CBS News, there were 173 passengers and six crew members on board. All were safely evacuated using emergency ramps deployed after the incident.
A video shared by a passenger showed smoke coming from underneath the aircraft and people exiting the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it will initiate an investigation into the incident, while American Airlines stated that the aircraft has been taken out of service for a thorough inspection.
The emergency had significant repercussions on airport activity: by five in the afternoon, there had been at least 435 delayed flights and 14 cancellations, according to data from the monitoring site FlightAware.
This is the second incident this year involving American Airlines aircraft this month.
A few days ago, a American Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in Havana due to a bird strike on the front landing gear during the final approach maneuver.
This incident resulted in the fracture of a hydraulic pipe in the control system, which created difficulties with the aircraft's directional control.
The airport emergency team followed the established protocols, which included the safe evacuation of passengers and towing assistance for the aircraft.
The impact of the bird caused the fracture of a hydraulic pipe in the front landing gear control system, which affected the directional control of the aircraft after landing. Fortunately, the crew managed to complete the landing normally before requesting assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the American Airlines Plane Fire in Denver
What caused the fire on the American Airlines plane in Denver?
The fire was caused by a technical problem related to one of the aircraft's tires. It was initially reported as a failure in the landing gear, but American Airlines later clarified the true source of the issue.
Were there any injuries during the American Airlines plane incident in Denver?
A person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and five others were evaluated at the scene, according to airport authorities. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated using emergency slides.
What measures will the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) take following the incident in Denver?
The FAA has confirmed that it will open an investigation into the incident. This procedure is standard in situations where technical problems or failures occur during flight to determine the causes and prevent future incidents.
How did the incident affect Denver International Airport?
The incident caused significant delays at the airport, with at least 435 flights delayed and 14 cancellations recorded by five in the afternoon, according to data from the monitoring site FlightAware.
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