...
By Emma Marsden
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Passengers and crew were evacuated via slides from an American Airlines flight at Denver International Airport on Saturday, with smoke billowing from the aircraft following an aborted takeoff.
American Airlines told Newsweek that the incident involved a "minor isolated brake fire that was quickly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department."
Newsweek contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for further comment via email on Sunday.
Read More on News
...
Why It Matters
All 173 passengers and six crew members safely exited the plane via emergency slides. One individual was taken to hospital for further evaluation, but no serious injuries were reported.
Saturday's incident highlights the importance of well-practiced emergency procedures and swift action from both the crew and first responders.
The evacuation marks the latest concerning aviation incident at Denver International Airport, the sixth busiest in the world. In March, passengers had to stand on the wing of an American Airlines jet after evacuating when one of its engines caught fire.
Just a month later, a United Airlines aircraft struck an unidentified animal during takeoff, causing flames to shoot from the engine, CNN reported.
What to Know
American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami, was forced to abort takeoff on Saturday after a reported maintenance issue involving an aircraft tire. The pilots activated emergency braking during the aircraft's acceleration down the runway. As a precaution, the flight crew ordered a full evacuation using emergency slides.
Video footage posted online shows passengers exiting the plane with smoke billowing from the aircraft.
Passenger Mark Tsurkis told ABC News he heard "a loud boom" as the plane was about to take off, adding that as the it began to slow down, passengers could see one of the wheels pass by the aircraft.
Data from flight tracking website FlightRadar24 shows the plane reached a top speed of 127 knots—nearly 150 miles per hour—on the runway before decelerating, ABC News reported.
"American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a possible landing gear incident during departure from Denver International Airport around 2:45 p.m. local time Saturday, July 26," the FAA said in a statement.
"Passengers evacuated on the runway and are being transported to the terminal by bus. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was headed to Miami International Airport. The FAA will investigate," it added.
The Denver Fire Department said it extinguished a fire on the plane. Passengers were rebooked on later flights.
What People Are Saying
In an emailed statement to Newsweek on Sunday, American Airlines said: "American Airlines flight 3023 experienced a mechanical issue on take off roll at Denver International Airport (DEN). All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience."
The statement went on to say the mechanical issue involved a tire and that "the aircraft was met by first responders per procedure."
The problem with the tire and the deceleration of the aircraft during braking after the takeoff was aborted resulted in a "minor isolated brake fire that was quickly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department."
"One customer was transported to the hospital with a minor injury for further evaluation," the statement added.
Captain Luis Cedillo, public information officer for the Denver Fire Department, said in an emailed statement to Newsweek: "Denver Fire Department responded to an incident involving American Airlines Flight AA3023 (DEN to MIA) on the runway.
"Upon arrival, Denver Fire personnel extinguished a fire associated with the aircraft. Five individuals were evaluated on the scene and did not require transport. One additional individual was evaluated at the gate and was transported for further medical care.
"The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. We commend the quick response of all emergency personnel involved and are grateful there were no serious injuries."
Passenger Mark Tsurkis, 50, as per ABC News: "I said, 'That's not good'…When the plane stopped, about 30 seconds to a minute later, somebody said, 'Smoke, fire.' And then a lot of people, of course, started panicking."
What Happens Next
As scrutiny around aircraft safety, particularly concerning Boeing 737 MAX models, continues, this incident may reinforce calls for heightened oversight and maintenance standards.
The FAA has opened an investigation into the incident. While early reports suggest a tire or brake-related issue, a full inspection is underway. The aircraft has been removed from service for maintenance review.
Update 07/29/25, 8:56 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from the Denver Fire Department.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines