Landing Gear Fire Forces Emergency Evacuation of American Airlines Flight at Denver Airport

A dramatic emergency unfolded at Denver International Airport on Saturday afternoon when an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8, operating as Flight AA-3023, was forced to abort takeoff due to a landing gear fire. The Miami-bound jet came to a halt on the runway around 2:45 PM local time, prompting a full evacuation of its 173 passengers.

According to officials, the incident was caused by a malfunction in the aircraft's landing gear, which led to flames and smoke billowing from the left main wheel area. Passengers were quickly evacuated via emergency slides, with one individual sustaining a minor injury. The remaining passengers were safely transported to the terminal by bus.

FAA and Airport Response

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it is launching an investigation into the incident. American Airlines later clarified that the fire stemmed from a tire maintenance issue.

Denver International Airport issued a statement saying that its first responders, along with the Denver Fire Department, were on the scene promptly. "Five people were evaluated on scene and not transported. One person was evaluated at a gate and was transported," the airport said.

The fire was extinguished by approximately 5:10 PM, according to the fire department. The aircraft has been removed from service for inspection and maintenance review, American Airlines confirmed.

Onboard Chaos and Viral Footage

Footage shared online showed passengers evacuating down inflatable slides with visible flames and smoke in the background. In one widely shared clip, panic is evident as passengers scrambled to leave the aircraft amid growing smoke.

The incident also sparked controversy after a male passenger was seen holding a suitcase while evacuating with his child, drawing online criticism for prioritizing luggage during an emergency.

Second Fire Incident in Five Months

This is the second fire-related aircraft incident at Denver airport involving American Airlines in recent months. In March 2025, another flight headed to Dallas experienced an engine fire, leading to the safe evacuation of 172 passengers and six crew members.

Ongoing Investigation

The FAA is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days. Meanwhile, American Airlines has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, stating that its maintenance teams are thoroughly inspecting the affected aircraft.