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Passengers flee Passengers evacuated an American Airlines jet at Denver International Airport on emergency slides after the landing gear caught fire during an aborted takeoff, sending black smoke billowing into the air.
One of the 173 passengers was hospitalized with minor injuries while exiting the Boeing 737 MAX 8 that had been due to fly to Miami International Airport on Saturday, according to officials.
A video shared with NBC News by a passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, showed the aircraft gathering speed on the runway — before a loud bang was heard followed by strong vibrations and the plane stopping. Meanwhile a round piece of debris was seen rolling from underneath the plane and off the side of the runway.
“I heard a loud boom so I knew something blew up under the plane,” passenger Mark Tsurkis told NBC News. “I said, ‘That’s not good,’ and right away the captain started slowing the plane down. Then somebody said, ‘Look!’ So we looked on the left side, in the window, and we see one of the wheels of the plane” rolling away.
Once the aircraft came to a halt, Tsurkis said, he started to smell burning. “Somebody screamed, ‘Fire!,'” he said. “So they opened up the emergency doors and we slid down on those inflatable slides.”
Five people were checked by medics at the scene and one was taken to the hospital, the airline said. Other passengers received criticism online after videos showed them carrying cabin bags while leaving the burning aircraft.
“Remember, during emergency evacuations, it’s important for passengers to follow crew instructions,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X. “Leave your luggage behind!”
This has become such an endemic problem — passengers stopping to get their bags during emergencies — that the Federal Aviation Administration carried out a study published in December. Though there were several recommendations, the conclusion was clear: “Passenger retrieval of baggage slows down an evacuation.”
American Airlines said its flight 3023 experienced “a maintenance issue” involving “an aircraft tire” before takeoff at around 2:45 p.m. It said the passengers and six crew members had all left the plane “safely” and that the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by the airline’s engineers.
“We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience,” it said, adding that passengers were due to take another flight to Miami later the same day.
On July 26, 2025, American Airlines Flight 3023—operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8—was bound for Miami when a mechanical issue unfolded on the runway, triggering a tense emergency evacuation at Denver International Airport.
The Incident Unfolds
As the aircraft accelerated for takeoff around 2:45 p.m. local time, a sudden “loud bang” echoed through the cabin—a precursor to an impending crisis. Passengers later recalled feeling violent shaking and saw smoke billowing from beneath the plane. The aircraft’s landing gear suffered a tire malfunction, which, along with heavy braking, sparked a minor brake fire. People.comThe Washington PostThe Daily BeastBusiness InsiderKCCIKCRA
Swift and Chaotic Evacuation
Flight attendants acted quickly. Passengers were instructed to evacuate using the emergency inflatable slides, with many sliding onto the tarmac amid swirling smoke and visible flames near the wheel area. People.comThe Washington PostABP LiveGlobal NewsKCCI
Some poignant scenes captured on video showed individuals—some carrying infants or even luggage—descending the slides, sometimes stumbling upon landing. People.comBusiness InsiderABP Livehttps://www.oneindia.com/www.ndtv.comWESH
A 17‑year‑old passenger described the ordeal vividly:
“There was a loud ‘boom’… the plane “started to violently shake” and “we were drifting to the left side of the runway.”
“It was just terrifying.” KCRAKCCI
The entire evacuation spanned 10 to 15 minutes, during which emergency responders—including the Denver Fire Department—arrived promptly to extinguish the blaze. The SunKCCIThe Daily BeastABP Live
Casualties and Responses
All 173 passengers and six crew members aboard were evacuated safely. One passenger sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized, while five others were treated at the scene and not transported. People.comBusiness InsiderThe Washington PostThe Daily Beast
In statements, American Airlines reaffirmed its commitment to safety, apologized to affected passengers, and reported that the aircraft was removed from service for inspection. The FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident. People.comThe Daily BeastBusiness InsiderThe Washington Posthttps://www.oneindia.com/The Indian Express
Lessons in Panic and Preparedness
The dramatic evacuation spotlighted some concerning behaviors—passengers were seen carrying luggage, contravening FAA safety guidelines, which strictly advise leaving personal items behind to avoid hindering evacuation speed. Business InsiderABP Livehttps://www.oneindia.com/
Industry experts warn that retrieval of personal items during emergencies can drastically delay evacuation—FAA standards mandate clearing a plane in 90 seconds under high-stress conditions, yet real-world evacuations like this can stretch far longer when panic ensues. Business Insider
A Broader Safety Context
This incident isn’t isolated. In March 2025, another American Airlines Boeing—on a flight diverted from Colorado Springs to Dallas—suffered an engine fire upon landing. That evacuation also required slides, jetway egress, and over-wing exits. Thankfully, all 172 passengers and six crew members evacuated safely, though 12 experienced minor injuries. Preliminary findings point to a fuel leak and improperly installed engine parts, likely the root cause. AP News
Evacuations: How They Work
Evacuation slides—inflatable ramps stored in the aircraft doors—automatically deploy when a door is opened in armed mode, facilitating rapid descent from a height of six feet or more. Regulatory frameworks (FAA and EASA) mandate such systems and require evacuation tests within 90 seconds, even with only half the exits functioning. Wikipedia
Final Thoughts
The July 26 incident at Denver was a stark reminder of how quickly a standard flight can escalate into an emergency. Thanks to the vigilance of the crew and emergency responders, what could have become catastrophic resulted in a safe, albeit frightening, evacuation. It underscores the vital importance of strict adherence to safety protocols—by airlines, crews, and passengers alike.
For passengers: buckle up, stay calm, and—no matter how tempting—leave your bags behind if evacuation ever becomes necessary.
The FAA said it would investigate.
Angela Dallman, George Solis and The Associated Press contributed.