American Airlines Flight 3023 were forced to evacuate after smoke and flames erupted from the aircraft’s landing gear during taxi for takeoff at Denver International Airport.
- Shalena
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Date: July 26, 2025
Author: Shalena Speaks
American Airlines Flight 3023 were forced to evacuate after smoke and flames erupted from the aircraft’s landing gear during taxi for takeoff at Denver International Airport.
According to reports, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was preparing for departure to Miami when the left main landing gear tire caught fire, causing thick plumes of smoke to engulf the tarmac. The fire broke out just after 2:45 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 26, 2025, prompting an emergency evacuation of all 173 passengers and 6 crew members.
Panic and Heroism on the Runway
The scene quickly turned chaotic as flight attendants deployed emergency slides, and passengers scrambled to exit the aircraft as smoke filled the cabin. Many were seen running across the tarmac, some with small children in their arms, others dragging their carry-ons—despite federal guidelines instructing travelers to leave personal items behind during evacuations.
Videos shared on social media show the terrifying moments as frightened passengers slid to safety while black smoke billowed from the burning wheel. One passenger can be heard shouting, “Get off the plane!” as others rushed to get out.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Emergency crews responded quickly and extinguished the fire by 5:10 p.m. Six people were evaluated by medical teams at the scene, and one person was hospitalized with minor injuries. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported.
Denver International Airport issued a temporary ground stop, delaying other flights and affecting airport operations for about an hour as crews worked to secure the scene.
What Caused the Fire?
Initial findings suggest the fire may have been caused by a maintenance-related tire failure, but a full investigation is currently underway. American Airlines confirmed the aircraft is being removed from service and is cooperating with the FAA and NTSB.
This incident follows a March 2025 engine fire on another American Airlines flight at the same airport, which was later linked to improperly installed engine parts and a fuel leak. That earlier event led to new concerns about aircraft maintenance practices, and this latest scare is only adding more fuel to the fire—literally and figuratively.
A Wake-Up Call on Airline Safety
While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, this incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go wrong. Experts continue to stress the importance of passenger compliance during evacuations, especially the life-threatening risk of trying to retrieve personal items.
The FAA mandates that all aircraft must be able to evacuate within 90 seconds in an emergency. But when passengers attempt to grab luggage, they slow the process and put everyone’s life at risk. Several aviation safety experts have expressed concern over recurring videos showing this very behavior.
This horrifying event could have ended much worse, and for that, we’re thankful. But it also raises critical questions: Are airlines keeping up with safety and maintenance standards? Are passengers taking emergency drills seriously?
As we wait for the official investigation results, this incident stands as a clear message: safety must never be taken for granted—on the ground or in the sky.
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