Denver, CO – An American Airlines flight turned into a harrowing ordeal on Thursday evening when one of its engines burst into flames after landing at Denver International Airport (DIA). The incident, captured on dramatic social media videos, showed passengers standing on the aircraft’s wing and evacuating via emergency slides as smoke billowed from the plane. Twelve people were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, according to the Denver Fire Department.
American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800, was originally traveling from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it was diverted to Denver due to mechanical issues. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the crew detected engine vibrations during the flight, prompting the unscheduled landing. The plane touched down safely at DIA around 5:15 p.m. local time, but the situation escalated as it taxied to the gate. One of the engines suddenly caught fire, forcing an immediate evacuation of the 172 passengers and six crew members on board.
Eyewitness footage circulating online depicted chaotic scenes: thick smoke enveloped the aircraft, passengers scrambled onto the wing, and emergency slides deployed as crew members on the ground attempted to douse the flames with hoses. American Airlines described the incident as an “engine-related issue” but provided no further details on the cause. “We thank our crew members, DEN team, and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority,” the airline said in a statement.
The Denver Fire Department confirmed that the 12 injured individuals suffered minor injuries, likely sustained during the evacuation. The FAA has launched an investigation to determine what triggered the engine vibrations and subsequent fire. Meanwhile, the incident adds to recent scrutiny of Boeing 737 aircraft and airline safety protocols, leaving passengers and officials awaiting answers as the investigation unfolds.
Key Points:
Incident: On Thursday, March 13, 2025, an American Airlines plane’s engine caught fire after landing at Denver International Airport (DIA).
Flight Details: Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth but diverted to Denver due to engine vibrations reported by the crew.
Timeline: The plane landed safely at 5:15 p.m. local time, but the engine ignited while taxiing to the gate, prompting an emergency evacuation.
Evacuation: 172 passengers and six crew members evacuated using emergency slides; video showed some standing on the aircraft’s wing amid smoke.
Injuries: Twelve people were hospitalized with minor injuries, per the Denver Fire Department.
Response: American Airlines praised the crew, DIA team, and first responders for their swift actions prioritizing safety; ground crew attempted to extinguish the fire.
Cause: Labeled an “engine-related issue” by American Airlines, with the FAA launching an investigation to determine the exact cause.
Visuals: Social media footage captured smoke engulfing the plane and evacuation efforts.
