American Airlines flight AA3023 Boeing 737 MAX 8 faced a landing gear defect at the Denver International Airport (DEN) on Saturday. A tire on the main landing gear caught fire, necessitating an emergency evacuation. All 173 passengers on board were safely deplaned via emergency slides. However, one minor injury has been reported.
Visuals appear on social media showing passengers frantically exiting the plane, with smoke coming from the other end. The incident took place around 2:45 local time. The Denver Fire Department was notified of the flames on the runway coming from the aircraft’s wheels. Promptly afterwards, there was also a ground stop at the Denver Airport, but it was just a safety precaution.
What caused the fire?
An official statement from American Airlines addressed the Denver Airport mishap and stated that the aircraft “experienced a maintenance issue.”
After a tire on the landing gear caught fire just before take-off, all passengers and crew were “deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service,” notified the Airline. Further inspection is underway.
This comes a day after a SouthWest Airlines aircraft dropped altitude within seconds to avoid a mid-air collision with a military aircraft in the civilian airspace. Passengers shared their accounts as they recalled the horror after landing safely in Las Vegas. Similarly, another incident at the Denver Airport was reported in March involving an American Airlines Boeing 737 engine fire.
As the reportage on civil aviation mishaps increases, following the fatal Air India Ahmedabad crash in June, travelers are concerned about who will take accountability, the airlines or the aircraft manufacturer.
Users on social media commented, “Another close call with a Boeing 737 MAX 8. FAA needs to step up inspections before tragedy strikes.” Other concerned netizens shared, “It is causing a serious dent to the convenience and trust that has been the epitome of flying.”