A Boeing 737-800 operated by American Airlines was forced to make an emergency landing at Denver International Airport on Thursday after experiencing engine vibrations mid-flight. The aircraft, originally en route to Dallas from Colorado Springs, landed safely around 5:15 p.m. local time before an engine caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation.
According to a Reuters report, all 172 passengers and six crew members on board were able to exit the plane using emergency slides. However, six passengers were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, according to American Airlines.
Videos shared on social media showed passengers standing on the plane’s wing as smoke billowed from the engine. The airline stated that the aircraft had reached the gate before experiencing an “engine-related issue.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Denver International Airport confirmed that the fire was extinguished and airport operations remained unaffected.
The plane, which has been in service for 13 years, is equipped with two CFM56 engines manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE and Safran. Boeing declined to comment on the incident, referring inquiries to American Airlines and aviation regulators.
This event adds to recent concerns over aviation safety in the U.S., following high-profile incidents including a deadly mid-air collision involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter in January, as well as last month’s Delta Air Lines regional jet mishap in Toronto.
