Picture credits: X
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.
Picture Credits: National Transportation Safety Board
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.
