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An American Airlines flight experienced an emergency at Denver International Airport, necessitating an immediate return. The aircraft, which had departed from Colorado Springs en route to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on the afternoon of March 13, 2025, encountered unusual engine vibrations shortly after takeoff. Concerned about the aircraft’s condition, the pilots followed safety protocols and diverted to Denver International Airport for landing.
Passengers initially anticipated a routine, albeit unplanned, landing. However, an emergency unfolded upon touchdown. Shortly before reaching the gate, cabin crew detected a burning odor. Panic ensued as thick black smoke began emanating from an engine. Following emergency instructions, passengers were immediately evacuated.
Emergency evacuation slides deployed, allowing some passengers to descend to the tarmac. Due to the aircraft’s position, other passengers were directed to evacuate via the wing. The scene unfolded on social media, showing passengers awaiting rescue on the aircraft’s wing. Fire rescue teams responded, extinguishing the fire and assisting in the safe evacuation of all passengers. According to an American Airlines spokesperson, the aircraft carried 172 passengers and six crew members at the time of the incident.
Twelve individuals received hospital treatment for injuries sustained during the evacuation. Passenger Gabrielle Hibbitts recounted the experience, stating, ‘As soon as the plane landed, we smelled this weird burning plastic smell, and then everybody started screaming.’ Her mother, Ingrid, expressed relief, saying, ‘I’m really grateful this happened on the ground because if it had happened in the air, I don’t think we’d be here to talk about it.’ The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire at Denver International Airport.
Preliminary reports suggest mechanical issues with the engine led to both the emergency landing and subsequent fire
American Airlines expressed gratitude to its team members, Denver airport personnel, and emergency responders in their official statement. The airline emphasized passenger safety as its top priority and expressed relief that all passengers and crew members were unharmed.
This incident has contributed to growing concerns regarding air travel safety in the United States. Earlier this year, an American Eagle aircraft was involved in a fatal collision with a U.S. Army helicopter near Washington D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities.
Additionally, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines aircraft were involved in separate incidents, including a jet flipping during touchdown in Toronto and a near-collision with private jet traffic in Chicago airspace.
