American Airlines flight evacuates at Denver International Airport after landing gear failure
Passengers and crews evacuated an American Airlines flight after the aircraft blew its tires while taking off Saturday afternoon.
Just after 3:30 p.m., DIA officials reported that American Airlines flight 3023, en route to Miami, had evacuated due to an issue with the plane.
In a news release, American Airlines officials stated that the plane experienced a blown tire during takeoff. The plane’s deceleration caused a minor isolated brake fire, according to the airline.
In total, 173 passengers and six crew members evacuated the Boeing 737 MAX 8, airline officials said.
“All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” American Airlines officials said.
A video on social media shows passengers evacuating the plane on the emergency slides and being taken back to the terminal on a bus.
One passenger was transported to the hospital with a minor injury, according to DIA and American Airlines.
“About halfway to takeoff speed, we hear a big bang and a pop,” Shaun Williams, a passenger traveling with his family, told Denver Gazette news partner 9NEWS.
“The pilot immediately started abort procedures for taking off. You could feel him start to hit the brakes,” the passenger said.
Some passengers reported smelling burning rubber during takeoff, according to 9NEWS.
Later in the day, passengers departed for Miami on a different plane.
“We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience,” American Airlines officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration will further investigate the incident.