A mechanical failure forced passengers aboard an American Airlines flight to evacuate onto the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday, moments before takeoff.
Flight 3023 was en route to Miami when it encountered a brake fire, reportedly caused by blown tires and sudden braking during acceleration. The airline confirmed that all 173 passengers and six crew members safely evacuated the Boeing 737 MAX 8, though one person sustained a minor injury and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Videos shared on social media captured dramatic scenes as passengers slid down emergency chutes, with smoke pouring from beneath the aircraft. In one clip, a man was seen cradling a child as he stumbled to the ground after sliding off the plane.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight crew reported a possible landing gear issue shortly after 2:45 p.m. local time. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
This scare follows closely on the heels of another aviation near-miss, in which a Southwest Airlines flight dropped suddenly mid-air to avoid a potential collision near Las Vegas, injuring two flight attendants.
The recent string of accidents and close calls has raised alarm over aviation safety in the U.S. In January, 67 people died in a mid-air collision involving a commercial plane and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C.
Amid these developments, the federal government has announced plans to modernize the country’s aging air traffic control system, which continues to face challenges due to a shortage of FAA staff and ongoing budget cuts under current policies.
AFP