Denver, Colorado — July 26, 2025
Passengers aboard American Airlines Flight AA3023 faced a terrifying moment Saturday morning when the aircraft’s left main landing gear caught fire during the takeoff roll at Denver International Airport, forcing an immediate evacuation via emergency slides.
The incident unfolded just before 10:30 a.m. local time, as the aircraft accelerated for departure. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke and visible flames near the rear wheels. Airport fire crews responded within minutes, swiftly extinguishing the blaze and assisting passengers on the tarmac.
“There was a loud bang, then people started shouting ‘Fire! Fire!’” said one eyewitness via social media.
“The cabin crew were fast — they got the doors open and slides down in seconds.”
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Emergency protocols were enacted immediately, with passengers exiting down inflatable slides onto the runway. Airport officials confirmed one person was hospitalised with minor injuries, and the rest of the passengers were safely accounted for.
American Airlines released a brief statement:
“We commend our crew for their swift action and thank Denver airport emergency teams for their support. Safety remains our top priority.”
Initial reports suggest a landing gear malfunction may have caused the fire, but the exact cause remains under investigation. The FAA and NTSB have launched a joint probe and will inspect the aircraft and runway site.
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The flight — originally bound for Miami — was cancelled, with passengers rebooked or accommodated locally.
Images and videos of the evacuation spread quickly on platforms like X and Threads, showing passengers fleeing the aircraft and smoke billowing from the wheel well. Some posts drew praise for the cabin crew’s calm during chaos, while others questioned aging aircraft systems and maintenance protocols.
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