American Airlines Plane Fire During Takeoff at Denver Airport — All 173 Passengers Evacuated Safely
Denver, Colorado – July 26, 2025:
A terrifying aviation incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon at Denver International Airport when an American Airlines flight carrying 173 passengers was forced to abort takeoff due to a fire caused by a tire failure.
Flight 3023, scheduled to depart for Miami at around 2:45 PM local time, was accelerating on the runway when a mechanical malfunction led to one of the aircraft’s landing gear tires catching fire. The resulting blaze triggered thick black smoke and visible flames, causing immediate alarm among passengers, crew, and air traffic controllers.
Panic on the Runway American Airlines Plane Fire
Eyewitness footage taken from inside and outside the airport showed thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the rear left side of the aircraft. Within moments, pilots received a warning from air traffic control:
“Flight 3023, you’ve got a lot of smoke.”
Reacting swiftly, the flight crew brought the aircraft to an emergency halt, and cabin crew initiated a full-scale evacuation using inflatable emergency slides. Passengers were seen sliding down the chutes, some crying and visibly panicked, as fire and rescue vehicles raced toward the scene.
Emergency Response and Casualties
The Denver Fire Department responded within minutes. According to fire officials, five passengers were treated at the scene for minor injuries such as bruises and anxiety-related symptoms. One individual was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, though no life-threatening injuries were reported. American Airlines Plane Fire
The quick and coordinated response by the airport’s emergency services ensured that all 173 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated before the situation escalated.
American Airlines and FAA Respond
In a statement released shortly after the incident, American Airlines confirmed that the flight was grounded due to a maintenance-related issue involving the aircraft’s landing gear.
“All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and the aircraft was removed from service for inspection by our maintenance team,” the airline said. “We appreciate our team’s professionalism and sincerely apologize to our customers for the experience.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also acknowledged the incident and said that the aircraft suffered a landing gear failure during takeoff. An official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the malfunction and to evaluate any safety concerns with the aircraft model involved.
Passengers Rebooked, Investigation Ongoing
Following the incident, affected passengers were rebooked on another flight to Miami. Many expressed both relief and frustration — thankful for their safety, but shaken by the ordeal. Some took to social media to share their experience, with photos and videos of the smoke-filled scene going viral within hours. American Airlines Plane Fire
The FAA’s investigation will likely focus on the mechanical condition of the aircraft, recent maintenance records, and the response protocols followed by the crew.
A Reminder of Aviation Preparedness
While aviation accidents are rare, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and crew training. The professional actions of the pilots, flight attendants, and emergency responders helped prevent what could have been a much more serious disaster. American Airlines Plane Fire
Emergency responders arrived within minutes. Five passengers received medical attention on-site, while one was later taken to a hospital for evaluation.
American Airlines confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked safely. The aircraft was pulled from service for inspection. The FAA reported a landing gear failure and has launched an investigation. American Airlines Plane Fire
Passengers were later rebooked on another flight. The quick response prevented a major disaster and ensured everyone’s safety. American Airlines Plane Fire
Tags: American Airlines, Denver Airport, Plane Fire, Emergency Landing, Flight 3023, FAA Investigation, Aviation News, Miami Flight, Runway Fire
