An American Airlines jet engine caught fire after the plane made an emergency diversion to Denver on Thursday, forcing passengers to evacuate, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The airline confirmed that all 172 passengers and six crew members exited the aircraft safely, though Denver International Airport reported that 12 individuals were transported to hospitals with minor injuries.
American Airlines Flight 1006, operating on a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas when the crew detected engine vibrations. The flight diverted to Denver and landed at approximately 5:15 p.m. (2315 GMT). While taxiing to the gate, the engine ignited, the FAA stated.
Dramatic footage shared on social media showed passengers standing on the plane’s wing as smoke billowed from the engine.
American Airlines reported that the aircraft landed safely and was taxiing to the gate when it experienced an “engine-related issue.”
“We were near gate B44, just landed from Pittsburgh. We stopped by the windows for a second and saw a sudden flash of fire, followed by a massive plume of smoke,” said eyewitness Aaron Clark.
“The fire was brief and appeared to be extinguished quickly by ground crews. However, the smoke continued for some time, and that’s when we noticed passengers evacuating via the rear slides,” Clark added.
Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft, which is 13 years old, is powered by two CFM56 engines manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for Denver International Airport confirmed that the fire was successfully contained and that normal flight operations resumed without further disruption.
Boeing and GE Aerospace declined to comment on the incident.
This engine fire is the latest in a series of high-profile aviation safety concerns in the U.S. In January, an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities.
Additionally, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport last month due to severe weather conditions, injuring 18 of the 80 people onboard. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently acknowledged that concerns over aviation safety, alongside economic uncertainties and adverse weather events, have contributed to a decline in U.S. travel demand
