American Airlines Flight Evacuated After Tyre Fire at Denver Airport
One passenger was hospitalized with a minor injury, while five others were evaluated and cleared on-site.
DENVER— Chaos erupted at Denver International Airport on Saturday, July 26, when American Airlines Flight AA3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami, was forced to abort takeoff after its main wheels caught fire. The incident, which occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time on Runway 34L, prompted a swift evacuation of all 173 passengers and six crew members via emergency slides.
Dramatic footage shared on social media captured passengers sliding down emergency exits and running across the tarmac, some carrying luggage, as thick smoke billowed from the aircraft.
The Denver Fire Department and airport first responders quickly extinguished the blaze, ensuring no major injuries occurred. One passenger was hospitalized with a minor injury, while five others were evaluated and cleared on-site.
Also Read- Angara Airlines Flight carrying 49 people Crashes in Russia’s Amur Region
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, described as a “possible landing gear incident,” with preliminary reports pointing to a mechanical issue related to the tyre.
American Airlines confirmed the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection by its maintenance team. “All customers and crew deplaned safely,” the airline stated. “We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience.”
Also Read- London: Small Plane Crashes in Fireball at Southend Airport
Passengers were rebooked on a replacement flight to Miami, and the airport resumed normal operations shortly after the runway was cleared.
This marks the second fire-related incident involving an American Airlines plane at Denver in 2025. In March, a Boeing 737-800 diverted to the airport after an engine-related issue, resulting in a fire that required evacuation but caused no serious injuries.
Also Read- Delta Flight Returns to Los Angeles After Engine Fire Prompts Emergency Landing
The recurrence has raised concerns about aircraft maintenance and safety protocols, though no official link between the incidents has been established. The FAA’s ongoing investigation aims to determine the cause of the tyre failure, with a full technical review underway in coordination with American Airlines.
The incident caused temporary delays, with nearly 90 flights affected during the emergency response. Denver International Airport, one of the busiest in the U.S., was praised for its rapid response.
“The combination of blown tires and the deceleration of the aircraft during braking resulted in a minor isolated brake fire that was quickly extinguished,” American Airlines noted in a statement to PEOPLE.
As investigations continue, passengers and aviation experts alike are calling for heightened scrutiny of aircraft maintenance to prevent future incidents. For now, the quick actions of the crew and emergency teams ensured a potentially serious situation ended with minimal harm.
