Passengers on board an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 were evacuated at Denver International Airport on Saturday after the aircraft aborted takeoff due to a landing gear incident that sparked a fire and sent smoke billowing from the jet. The plane, operating as Flight 3023 to Miami, was carrying 173 passengers and six crew members when the mechanical issue unfolded on Saturday afternoon.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft reported a possible landing gear failure during departure and was forced to abort takeoff. Passengers were evacuated directly on the runway using inflatable emergency slides. The FAA confirmed it is investigating the incident.
Live air traffic control audio obtained by 9News captured the tense moments as a controller warned the cockpit, “Flight 2023, you got a lot of smoke There was some flames. Looks like the smoke is dying down a bit.” Moments later, the controller added, “You are actually on fire.”
American Airlines said in a statement that the aircraft experienced a “mechanical issue on take-off roll”, specifically involving a tire. “All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” the airline said. “We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologise to our customers for their experience.”
The airline also noted that passengers would continue their journey to Miami on a replacement aircraft later in the day.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated five people at the scene, according to officials from the airport and the airline. A sixth person was assessed at the gate and transported to a local hospital with a minor injury.
American Airlines confirmed the Boeing aircraft is undergoing inspection following the incident. The FAA reiterated that passengers were transported to the terminal by bus after the runway evacuation.
