An American Airlines Boeing 737 Max aircraft carrying 179 passengers and crew was evacuated on a Denver runway Saturday evening after a brake fire linked to a landing gear malfunction, federal authorities confirmed. The Miami-bound flight aborted takeoff at Denver International Airport following the incident, which triggered emergency slides and sent smoke billowing from the fuselage. One person was hospitalized with minor injuries, while five others received on-site medical care.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated the fire originated from the landing gear system during takeoff preparations, prompting swift intervention by airport firefighters. Dramatic footage shared online showed travelers sliding to safety as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze. Passengers recounted moments of chaos after hearing a loud bang. “The plane started vibrating and shaking really bad,” said Shay Armistead, a passenger interviewed by CNN. Another traveler described seeing flames beneath the aircraft before evacuation orders were issued.
American Airlines confirmed the aircraft was removed from service for inspection, with a replacement flight arranged to transport affected passengers later that evening. The disruption rippled across the airport, causing delays for over 240 flights, according to real-time tracking data. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
This event adds to mounting safety concerns surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max series, which has faced intensified regulatory scrutiny since a mid-air door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024. That incident led the FAA to temporarily ground the Max 9 variant, impose production caps, and mandate enhanced quality checks. Denver International Airport, meanwhile, has experienced multiple recent safety incidents, including an engine fire on another American Airlines flight in March and a United Airlines plane that caught fire after colliding with wildlife in April.
While no major injuries were reported in Saturday’s evacuation, the incident highlights ongoing challenges for both Boeing and airlines maintaining older aircraft models. Aviation analysts note that brake system issues, though rare, require rigorous maintenance given their critical role during takeoff and landing sequences. The investigation will likely examine maintenance records and operational procedures alongside the physical components involved in the malfunction.
