WASHINGTON – An American Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Denver on March 13 after one of its engines caught fire, prompting passengers to evacuate via emergency slides, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
All 172 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737-800 were able to exit the aircraft safely, although six passengers were later taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, the airline confirmed.
Flight 1006, which was traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas, was diverted to Denver after the crew detected engine vibrations. The aircraft landed at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time, with videos posted on social media showing passengers standing on the plane’s wing while smoke billowed from the engine.
American Airlines stated that the plane had landed without issue and taxied to the gate before experiencing an “engine-related problem.” The aircraft, which is 13 years old, is powered by two CFM56 engines, manufactured by CFM International—a joint venture between GE and Safran.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, while a Denver International Airport spokesperson confirmed that the fire was extinguished and normal flight operations continued without disruption. Boeing declined to comment, directing inquiries to American Airlines and regulatory authorities.
This engine fire is the latest in a string of aviation incidents raising concerns about US air safety. Among them was the Jan. 29 midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an army helicopter that resulted in 67 fatalities.
Additionally, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in February during severe weather, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board.
On March 11, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and Delta CEO Ed Bastian cited recent aviation accidents and extreme weather conditions as factors contributing to decreased US travel demand, alongside growing economic uncertainty.