Passengers flee smoking jet on emergency slide after apparent landing gear problem at Denver airport
Share and Follow


Passengers slid down an emergency slide of a smoking jet at Denver International Airport due to a possible problem with the plane’s landing gear, authorities said.

American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a “possible landing gear incident” during its departure from Denver on Saturday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The problem involved an aircraft tire, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline said in a statement.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 173 passengers and six crew members was on its way to Miami International Airport, American said.

Video aired by local media showed people sliding down the inflatable chute near the front of the plane while clutching luggage and small children. Some passengers, including at least one adult carrying a young child, tripped at the end of the slide and fell onto the concrete runway. Passengers were then taken to the terminal by bus.

  • Suspect killed in officer-involved shootout, 2 others also found dead

Shay Armisteaz, a 17-year-old from Minturn, Colorado, described a chaotic scene.

After hearing a loud “boom,” the plane “started to violently shake and we were drifting to the left side of the runway,” Armisteaz told The Associated Press in an interview.

Armisteaz and her teammates on a ski racing team were on their way from Colorado to Chile when it happened.

“I started grabbing my friend’s hands, I was like ‘Oh my God,’ and then they slammed on the brakes, and we all like went forward and they finally brought the plane to a stop,” she said. “It was just terrifying.”

One of the passengers was taken to a hospital with a minor injury, American Airlines said in its statement. Five people were evaluated for injuries at the scene but did not require hospitalization, airport officials said.

“About halfway to takeoff speed, we hear a big bang and a pop,” passenger Shaun Williams told KUSA-TV. “The pilot immediately started abort procedures for taking off. You could feel him start to hit the brakes.”

Firefighters extinguished a fire on the aircraft, the Denver Fire Department said.

“All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” American said.

In a statement, the FAA said it’s investigating.

Armisteaz said she’s thankful for everyone who helped her and the other passengers, and grateful that she’s safe.

“You’ve just got to appreciate what you’re given, and I’m so grateful that it wasn’t worse,” Armisteaz said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Tragic Discovery: Two Dogs Found Deceased Amidst Piney Flats Animal Neglect Investigation

In Piney Flats, Tennessee, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has reported…

Corpus Christi Police Charge Two Suspects in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 14-Year-Old: Justice in Motion

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – In a tragic development, the Chatham County…

Tampa Police Launch Investigation: Woman Dead, Man Injured in Stabbing Incident

A tragic incident in Tampa, Florida, has led to a homicide investigation…

Zaxby’s Expands to Illinois with First Location Opening in Southwest Suburb of Chicago

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (WGN) — A new player has entered the Chicago area’s…

Effingham Schools Set to Implement New District Boundaries

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Effingham County School authorities are gearing up to…

Flagler County Transforms Seized Drug Funds into Lifesaving Sheriff’s Helicopter Acquisition

BUNNELL, Fla. – Flagler County has introduced a cutting-edge resource to aid…

Hong Kong Activist Clarifies Intent: Advocating for Democracy, Not Overthrowing Communist Party

HONG KONG – On Friday, a leading activist associated with Hong Kong’s…

Empathy in the Workplace: The Role of Constructive Feedback, Streamlined Meetings, and Flexible Policies

NEW YORK – Beth Brown was navigating a significant work project when…