179 Evacuated After Fire on Miami-Bound Flight at Denver Airport

DENVER, July 27 — A routine flight from Denver International Airport to Miami turned into a scene of chaos on Saturday afternoon when a landing gear malfunction led to a fire during takeoff, prompting the emergency evacuation of 179 people, including passengers and crew. One person was injured and later hospitalized.

Main Points of the Incident: 179 evacuated from MIAMI-bound flight in Denver

• Flight: American Airlines, Denver to Miami

• Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8

• Passengers/Crew: 179 total

• Issue: Tire/landing gear failure during takeoff

• Emergency: Brake fire, loud explosion, flames

• Evacuation: All safely off plane via emergency slides

• Injuries: 1 hospitalized, 5 others evaluated on site

• Delays: Over 240 flights delayed at Denver Airport

• FAA/NTSB: Investigation underway

The aircraft, an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8, experienced what officials described as a “maintenance issue” involving its landing gear and tire system before liftoff.

Smoke, Flames, and Screams: What Went Wrong

The flight, carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, had just begun accelerating on the runway when passengers reported hearing a loud boom, followed by intense shaking and swerving. Some passengers, seated near the wing, reported seeing flames erupting from beneath the aircraft.

According to American Airlines and Denver International Airport, the blown tires and forceful braking caused a fire in the brake system, which was swiftly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department. The crew immediately deployed emergency slides, and passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac.

Teens Recall the Terrifying Moments

Shay Armistead, a 17-year-old skier heading to Santiago, Chile, was among the passengers. She described the ordeal as “traumatizing.”

“The plane started shaking violently. We heard a loud pop, then felt the brakes slam. The aircraft tilted — I grabbed the seat,” she said.

Another teen, 16-year-old Margaret Gustafson, saw flames bursting from under the plane through her window.

“I panicked. It felt like we hit something,” she added. “People were screaming. One woman yelled, ‘We’re all gonna die.’”

Both girls and their ski team were scheduled to continue their journey the next day after the unexpected delay.

Quick Crew Response Prevented Disaster

The American Airlines flight crew was praised for their prompt response. Within seconds of the explosion, the pilots aborted takeoff and initiated emergency protocols. Flight attendants guided passengers through the evacuation swiftly, despite the visible panic onboard.

Denver fire crews responded immediately and extinguished the brake fire before it spread. Emergency medical teams were on standby, evaluating six people — one of whom was taken to the hospital with a minor injury.

A Troubling Pattern at Denver Airport

This incident adds to a growing list of aviation scares at Denver International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the world. Earlier this year:

• March: Passengers stood on the wing of another American Airlines flight after an engine fire.

• April: A United Airlines plane hit an animal during takeoff, leading to a burst of flames from the engine.

Saturday’s incident raises concerns about ongoing mechanical issues and emergency readiness at the airport.

Airline and FAA Respond

In a statement, American Airlines apologized to affected customers:

“We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience. The aircraft was removed from service for inspection.”

The FAA confirmed it is investigating the malfunction, reviewing maintenance logs and pilot reports.

Passengers Will Continue Journey on Replacement Flight

Despite the trauma, American Airlines has rebooked all passengers. A replacement plane was arranged to fly customers to Miami International Airport, with some passengers choosing to continue their travels the following day.