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Fire Breaks Out on American Airlines Flight at Denver Airport Minutes After Landing

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Aviation Today News Desk

Denver, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings into the dramatic engine fire that broke out on American Airlines Flight 1006 minutes after landing at Denver International Airport on March 13, 2025. The incident involved a Boeing 737‑800 that had departed from Colorado Springs and was originally headed for Dallas-Fort Worth before being diverted to Denver due to engine anomalies. In its preliminary report (DCA25FA159), the NTSB revealed that the fire was triggered by a fuel leak in the aircraft’s No. 2 (right) engine. The cause of the leak has been traced to improper maintenance work, including a part that was installed loosely and in the wrong orientation, and another component that was not securely fastened. These issues likely allowed fuel to escape, which ignited once the aircraft had landed and was taxiing to the gate. This update follows initial reporting by Aviation Today, which covered the incident when it occurred. At the time, passengers were seen evacuating the aircraft via emergency slides, and thick smoke was observed billowing from the right engine. According to the NTSB, 12 passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. One overwing exit and the jetbridge slide were deployed, while the rear slide failed to function. The remaining 166 passengers and crew exited safely. The fire was extinguished promptly by emergency crews stationed at Denver International Airport. American Airlines has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with investigators and has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety. The airline has not yet issued a detailed statement on the maintenance issues cited in the report. The NTSB emphasized that this is a preliminary report and further investigation is underway. While it includes critical factual information, the final cause and any safety recommendations will be issued in a later phase. Engine fires, though rare, pose significant risk especially if they occur during flight. In this incident, identifying fuel system vulnerabilities and maintenance errors could lead to industry-wide adjustments in inspection protocols.

Colorado: An American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800, experienced an engine fire at Denver International Airport following an emergency landing on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The flight, originating from Colorado Springs Airport and bound for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, was diverted to Denver around 5:15 p.m. due to reported engine vibrations, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

After landing safely, the aircraft was taxiing to Gate C38 when one of its engines caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation. All 172 passengers and six crew members evacuated the aircraft using emergency slides and over-wing exits. Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals; all have since been released.

Passengers described the evacuation as chaotic and frightening, with some standing on the plane’s wing amid heavy smoke. One passenger recounted seeing flames and feeling intense heat, causing panic among those on board.

American Airlines acknowledged the incident, stating that the aircraft “experienced an engine-related issue after taxiing to the gate.” The airline expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the crew and first responders, emphasizing that safety is their top priority.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations to determine the cause of the engine fire. American Airlines is cooperating fully with the authorities during this process.

This incident is part of a series of recent aviation events in the United States, prompting discussions about air travel safety. 

Stay tuned to Aviation Today for latest aviation updates.

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