Boeing Passenger Jet Erupts in Flames After Engine Malfunction Forces American Airlines Flight to Divert to Denver | US News
A passenger jet carrying 178 individuals caught fire after experiencing an engine malfunction and was compelled to divert to Denver.
The American Airlines flight 1006, aboard a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth when the crew alerted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about engine vibrations.
The airplane redirected to Denver, Colorado, landing safely at approximately 5:15 PM (23:15 PM UK time).
Social media images depict flames and smoke erupting from one of the engines, with passengers seen standing on one of the wings.
Some passengers exited the aircraft via the wing. Pic: flynnstone/X
The FAA announced it would conduct an investigation into the engine fire, which occurred after the aircraft had landed in Denver and was taxiing to the gate.
According to American Airlines, all 172 passengers and six crew members were able to evacuate the aircraft safely. Denver International Airport confirmed that 12 individuals were transported to the hospital for minor injuries.
The aircraft is reportedly 13 years old, according to the flight tracking website FlightRadar24, and is equipped with two CFM56 engines produced by CFM International, a partnership between GE and Safran.
American Airlines indicated that the aircraft landed without incident and taxied to the gate before encountering an “engine-related issue.”
Scorch marks and engine damage are visible following the fire. Pic: just4kicks565/TikTok
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A representative from Denver International Airport mentioned that the fire had been extinguished and that flights had recommenced.
“We extend our gratitude to our crew members, the DEN [the airport] team, and first responders for their swift and decisive action, prioritizing the safety of everyone on board and on the ground,” remarked American Airlines.
Recent high-profile aviation incidents have sparked concerns regarding safety in the U.S. aviation sector.
These incidents include the mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an army helicopter on January 29, which resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals near Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan Airport.
Last month, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada due to windy conditions. Of the 80 individuals aboard, 18 sustained injuries.
On Tuesday, the CEOs of American Airlines, Robert Isom, and Delta, Ed Bastian, noted that recent air crashes and weather incidents have negatively affected U.S. travel demand, further compounded by growing economic uncertainty.
