Boeing is once again under scrutiny after another alarming incident involving one of its aircraft — this time in Denver, where a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operated by American Airlines was forced to abort take-off due to suspected landing gear failure. The dramatic evacuation, caught on video, showed flames and thick smoke billowing from the plane as terrified passengers slid down inflatable emergency slides to escape.
Chaos on the Runway: Passengers Flee as Smoke Erupts from Aircraft
The incident occurred on Saturday, 26 July, as American Airlines Flight AA3023 was preparing to depart Denver International Airport for Miami. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was taxiing on Runway 34L when signs of a mechanical issue with the landing gear surfaced. Moments later, smoke and fire were seen emerging from the front lower section of the aircraft.
Footage from the scene, now widely circulated on social media, captured the chaotic moments as the 173 passengers and six crew members were ordered to evacuate. Passengers were seen scrambling down emergency slides, with some tripping and falling in the rush to escape. One particularly harrowing clip showed a parent holding a child in one hand and luggage in the other, desperately making their way off the aircraft.
Minor Injuries Reported, Major Disruptions at Airport
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. According to reports, five people sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site, while one individual was transported to hospital for further care — fortunately, all injuries were classified as non-serious.
An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed that a maintenance issue was detected in one of the aircraft’s tyres, and the plane will remain grounded for further inspection. The cause of the malfunction is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, the incident caused major disruptions at Denver International Airport. More than 200 flights were delayed as operations on the runway were temporarily halted. Affected passengers were later rebooked on a replacement flight to Miami.
Boeing’s Troubles Continue to Mount
This latest scare is yet another blow to Boeing, a company already grappling with intense scrutiny and multiple high-profile safety issues involving its aircraft, particularly the 737 MAX series. The model was grounded globally in 2019 following two fatal crashes, and though it has since returned to service, public confidence remains shaky.
Netizens were quick to voice their frustration online, with some calling for stricter oversight on Boeing’s manufacturing and maintenance standards. Comments ranged from outrage to sheer disbelief, with many questioning whether the 737 MAX should still be allowed to operate.
As investigations continue, aviation experts warn that incidents like these — even when non-fatal — can significantly erode public trust and have long-term implications for both airlines and manufacturers. For now, the priority remains ensuring the safety of all passengers, as industry regulators dig deeper into what went wrong on the Denver runway.