Smoke and Panic as American Airlines Jet Evacuated in Denver

A dramatic evacuation unfolded at Denver International Airport on July 26 when an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced a mechanical issue during takeoff, forcing all 179 people onboard to flee the aircraft via emergency slides.

Smoke and fire were seen coming from the underside of Flight 3023, which was headed to Miami International Airport. Video footage posted to Instagram by passenger Mark Tsurkis captured the chaotic scene, showing travelers—some with young children—scrambling down the slides as smoke enveloped the jet.

According to a statement from American Airlines, the aircraft encountered a mechanical problem related to a tire during its takeoff roll. “All 173 passengers and six crew members exited the aircraft safely,” the airline confirmed. The plane was subsequently taken out of service for inspection by maintenance crews.

One passenger sustained a minor injury and was transported to a hospital. Denver International Airport noted on X that five individuals were evaluated on site by airport and fire department personnel, with only one requiring further medical attention.

The Denver Fire Department also confirmed via X that it had extinguished a fire upon responding to the emergency.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that Flight 3023 declared a “possible landing gear incident” around 2:45 p.m. local time and that the agency has opened an investigation. After the emergency evacuation, passengers were bused back to the terminal.

Passenger Shaun Williams, describing the moment of crisis, told local media: “About halfway to takeoff speed, we hear a big bang and a pop. The pilot immediately started abort procedures for taking off. You could feel him start to hit the brakes.”

FlightAware data showed that the flight was originally scheduled to depart around 1:15 p.m., but came to an abrupt stop on the runway during its attempted takeoff.

This incident comes just two days after the FAA announced it would review Boeing’s entire supply chain before lifting the 38-plane-per-month cap on 737 MAX production. The cap was introduced in early 2024 following a separate safety incident involving a door panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9.