An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 was evacuated today at Denver International Airport after its left main landing gear caught fire moments before takeoff. The flight was scheduled to depart for Miami but had been taxiing on the tarmac for nearly an hour before the emergency unfolded.
Airport personnel responded quickly as smoke and flames were observed near the aircraft’s left main wheels. Emergency services extinguished the fire promptly, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated via emergency slides.
“We saw smoke billowing from the side as the plane stopped. The crew acted fast and told us to evacuate,” said a passenger onboard.
According to initial reports, the aircraft had been delayed on the ground due to traffic congestion and weather conditions, which may have contributed to excessive brake heating — a possible cause of the fire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation.
No injuries have been reported, and American Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident and commending the swift action of the flight crew.
The affected aircraft is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, a model that has faced scrutiny in the past due to safety concerns. However, this incident appears unrelated to software or flight control issues.
Denver, CO — July 27, 2025 | SkyBriefs News Desk
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