Denver, Colorado — July 27, 2025: Panic struck the tarmac at Denver International Airport on Saturday afternoon after an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 aborted takeoff due to a landing gear malfunction that triggered a fire and heavy smoke.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 3023 en route to Miami, was preparing for departure when the mechanical issue unfolded. The plane was carrying 173 passengers and six crew members at the time of the incident.
According to airline and airport authorities, the pilot halted the takeoff immediately after detecting problems with the landing gear. Moments later, flames and thick smoke were seen emanating from the aircraft’s undercarriage, prompting a swift emergency response.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated using inflatable slides. No serious injuries were reported, though a few individuals were treated for minor smoke inhalation and stress-related symptoms.
In a statement, American Airlines said:
“Flight 3023 bound for Miami experienced a mechanical issue during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The aircraft was stopped safely and all passengers deplaned via emergency slides. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and are fully cooperating with the investigation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a probe into the incident. The affected aircraft remains grounded pending inspection and repairs.
The 737 MAX 8 model had previously faced global scrutiny over safety concerns, although Saturday’s incident appears to be unrelated to prior software issues.
Passengers praised the cabin crew for their calm and efficient response during the evacuation. One traveler, posting on social media, described the moment as “terrifying but handled professionally.”
Flight operations at Denver International experienced minor delays due to the emergency response but have since returned to normal.
