Denver, United States: An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami was evacuated on the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday after a main landing gear component overheated and caught fire moments before takeoff.
Flight 3023, carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, had begun its takeoff roll at around 2:45 p.m. MDT when pilots detected an abnormal vibration and immediately initiated an emergency stop. Witnesses onboard reported hearing a loud bang as the aircraft decelerated sharply, veering slightly to the left before smoke and flames appeared from the main gear area.
Emergency slides were deployed as firefighters rushed to the aircraft and extinguished what officials later described as a brake fire caused by a blown tire during heavy braking. American Airlines said the evacuation was conducted out of “an abundance of caution” and confirmed that one passenger sustained a minor injury during the slide evacuation and was transported to a hospital. Five others were evaluated on the scene and released.
Passenger video and social media posts show travelers sliding to safety, with some carrying hand luggage and even children during the evacuation a move criticized by aviation safety experts who warned that removing baggage in such situations can slow evacuations and pose injury risks.
“I felt the plane shaking violently, and then I saw smoke outside my window,” said Shay Armistead, 17, a passenger seated near the wing. “When people started screaming, I grabbed my bag without even thinking looking back, it was chaos.”
The Denver Fire Department confirmed the fire was quickly extinguished and posed no further threat. The airport temporarily issued a ground stop between 2 p.m. and just after 3 p.m., leading to more than 240 delayed flights before normal operations resumed later in the evening.
American Airlines deployed a replacement aircraft, and affected passengers reached Miami later that night. The aircraft involved in the incident has been grounded pending inspection and maintenance checks.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure and review the emergency response.
This incident has reignited discussion around passenger behavior during emergencies, particularly concerning attempts to retrieve carry-on bags during evacuations. Safety advocates have urged airlines and regulators to improve public awareness of evacuation protocols, emphasizing that seconds can determine survival in runway fire scenarios.
The aircraft, delivered to American Airlines in 2022, is part of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, which has undergone intense scrutiny in recent years following separate safety controversies. There is no indication, however, that Saturday’s incident is related to broader fleet issues.
No significant damage to airport infrastructure was reported, and Denver International Airport resumed normal operations by late afternoon. The FAA investigation is ongoing, and American Airlines has pledged full cooperation.
