Passengers were evacuated Saturday from an American Airlines aircraft about to take off from Denver International Airport due to an issue with the plane’s landing gear.
The problem was reported as American Airlines Flight 3023 from Denver to Miami was still on the runway. The Denver Fire Department said it extinguished a fire after responding to the aircraft.
All 173 passengers and six crew members on board the Boeing 737 Max 8 were safely removed from the aircraft.
Five people were evaluated but were not transported for further treatment, while one person evaluated at the gate was transported for medical attention for a minor injury.
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American Airlines confirmed the aircraft experienced a maintenance issue with a tire and that the plane was taken out of service to be inspected by a maintenance team.
“American Airlines Flight 3023 experienced a mechanical issue on take-off roll at Denver International Airport (DEN),” the airline said in a statement to Fox Business. “All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience.”
The displaced passengers will depart for Miami on a replacement aircraft later Saturday, according to the airline.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
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“American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a possible landing gear incident during departure from Denver International Airport around 2:45 p.m. local time Saturday, July 26,” the FAA said in a statement. “Passengers evacuated on the runway and are being transported to the terminal by bus.”
According to FlightAware, about 90 flights at the airport had been delayed since 2 p.m.
The airport issued a ground stop from 2 p.m. until about 3 p.m. for all incoming flights that had not left their departure airports. The airport’s operations have since resumed.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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