At least one person has been injured after an American Airlines plane caught fire during takeoff at Denver International Airport (DIA) on Saturday (July 26). This is the second time this year that an American Airlines plane caught fire in Colorado this year.
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In this new incident, American Airlines flight 3023 was departing for Miami International Airport from Denver International Airport. Airline and federal officials say around 2.45 p.m. there was a “maintenance issue” with an airplane tire.
The initial report revealed a problem with a landing gear, but American Airlines officials later updated that it involved one of the plane’s tires and happened before takeoff. The aircraft was taken out of service for inspection.
The plane, which the Federal Aviation Administration has identified as a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was carrying 173 passengers and six crew members. At least one person was taken to the hospital with minor injury, according to airline officials. Five others were evaluated at the scene, but did not require additional treatment.
American Airlines Flight From Colorado Springs Diverts To Denver And Catches Fire Upon Landing
In March, a Boeing 737-800 that took off from Colorado Springs had to make an emergency landing at DIA after one of the engines caught fire. Officials said the plane was diverted to Denver shortly after departing and upon landing, the engine caught fire. The incident, which took place around 5:15 p.m., sent tons of smoke across the tarmac.
On the flight, there was 178 people (172 passengers and six crew members) evacuated through emergency slides. A statement from Denver International Airport said 12 people suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. The report stated, “The captain noted high engine vibration indications for the right engine.” The crew then discussed whether they needed to divert before contacting American Airlines dispatchers.
NTSB Says American Airlines Plane That Caught Fire At Denver Airport In March Had Tons Of Issues
In June, a NTSB report (National Transportation Safety Board) found that the plane had tons of issues. These included several parts being installed backwards, loose connections, and fuel leaks. The NTSB report also showed streaks on the outside of the engine from the leaking fuel. The plane was towed to a hangar for examination.
During inspection of the damage, investigators learned the plane “exhibited heat/smoke/burn indications near the right engine nacelle, right wing, right side of the fuselage aft of the wing, the right main landing gear, and the right main landing gear wheel well.” Additionally, “the lockwire of a fuel fitting on the variable stator vane (VSV)” was loose and installed in the incorrect direction, in addition to other issues. The report also showed that one fan blade platform was fractured.
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