An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX was evacuated at Denver International Airport (DEN) on October 14, 2023, after its landing gear collapsed during the takeoff roll, resulting in a minor fire. All 173 passengers and six crew members safely exited the aircraft via inflatable slides. Five individuals received treatment for minor injuries, while one person was transported to a nearby hospital.
The incident occurred as American Airlines Flight 3023 was preparing for its journey from Denver to Miami International Airport (MIA). According to the airline, a mechanical issue with a tire prompted the aircraft to abort its takeoff just moments after it began rolling down the runway. Data from Flightradar24 indicated the aircraft reached a speed of 127 knots before the incident unfolded.
Video footage captured by a passenger revealed smoke billowing from the rear of the plane, along with flames emanating from the landing gear. Emergency services quickly responded, extinguishing the fire, which was described by American Airlines as a “minor isolated brake fire” caused by a combination of blown tires and rapid deceleration.
Passenger Experience and Safety Protocols
Eyewitness Mark Tsurkis recounted hearing a “loud boom” as the plane came to a halt, noting that panic ensued among passengers once smoke became visible. Despite the urgency of the situation, several individuals were seen retrieving cabin baggage, which contradicts established safety protocols. In emergencies, passengers are advised to leave their belongings behind to expedite evacuation, as collecting luggage can obstruct aisles and impede a swift exit.
American Airlines issued a statement confirming that all passengers and crew deplaned safely. The aircraft has been removed from service and is set for inspection by the airline’s maintenance team.
Aircraft Details and Future Investigation
The aircraft involved in the incident is a three-year-old Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as N306SW, which was delivered to American Airlines in December 2021. Designed to accommodate a total of 172 passengers, the aircraft has completed nearly 12,000 flight hours and over 4,000 flight cycles during its operational history. The airframe is leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, with the contract extending through 2033.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, citing “a possible landing gear incident.” In the aftermath, passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, while the affected 737 MAX 8 remains grounded for a thorough evaluation.
This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols during emergencies and highlights the need for ongoing scrutiny of aircraft performance and maintenance practices to ensure passenger safety.