An incident involving an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX occurred at Denver International Airport (DEN) when the aircraft’s landing gear collapsed during takeoff, leading to an emergency evacuation. All 179 individuals on board, including 173 passengers and six crew members, were safely evacuated using inflatable slides following the incident on Saturday afternoon.
According to a statement from American Airlines, Flight 3023 was scheduled to fly from DEN to Miami International Airport (MIA). The aircraft experienced a mechanical issue related to a tire during its takeoff roll on runway 34L. As the aircraft reached a speed of 127 knots, passengers began to notice smoke and flames emanating from the rear of the plane, prompting the urgent evacuation.
Injuries Reported and Emergency Response
Emergency services were on standby and quickly responded to the situation. Five individuals received treatment for minor injuries, while one passenger was transported to a local hospital. The airline confirmed that the “mechanical issue involved an aircraft tire” and that the affected aircraft has since been removed from service for inspection.
Mark Tsurkis, a passenger on board, recounted hearing a “loud boom” before witnessing one of the wheels detach as the plane came to a stop. He noted that panic ensued when smoke became visible. Video footage captured by bystanders illustrates the urgency of the situation, as passengers evacuated the aircraft while some retrieved their belongings, which is against safety protocols.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, which they have classified as a possible landing gear failure. A statement from the FAA noted that it would look into the circumstances surrounding the event.
Aircraft Details and Operational History
The Boeing 737 MAX involved in this incident is a relatively new aircraft, having been delivered to American Airlines in December 2021. Registered as N306SW, it has a capacity of 172 passengers, with 156 in economy class and 16 in domestic first class. Since joining the fleet, the aircraft has amassed nearly 12,000 flight hours and over 4,000 flight cycles. It is leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, with the contract extending until 2033.
In light of the incident, affected passengers were accommodated on a replacement aircraft. The 737 MAX 8 will undergo thorough inspections by American Airlines’ maintenance team before returning to service.
As investigations proceed, this incident highlights the importance of safety protocols during emergencies and the need for awareness among passengers regarding evacuation procedures.
