The quick thinking of an American Airlines flight crew ensured a safe landing with no lives lost after pilots diverted the aircraft upon noticing unusual engine activity.
One of the recent flights mentioned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as part of its aviation accident and incident reports, occurred on March 13, 2025. After experiencing engine issues, American Airlines Flight 1006 was forced to divert to Denver International Airport.
The Boeing 737-800 was redirected to Denver shortly after departing from Colorado Springs Airport, Colorado. The flight was diverted approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, and it took about an hour before landing in Denver.
According to the FAA, the plane landed safely at Denver International Airport at around 5:15 p.m. local time after the crew reported engine vibrations. Although the flight managed to land without issue, one of its engines caught fire while taxiing to the gate.
Passengers were evacuated using emergency slides at the overwing exit, while some exited via the jet bridge. The flight carried 172 passengers and six crew members, all of whom were able to get off the aircraft safely.
However, a statement from Denver International Airport revealed that 12 people were taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Thick black smoke was visible as the plane’s engine burned while it remained on the tarmac.
Other witnesses at the airport recorded additional footage, from a safe distance, showing passengers being guided off from the burning plane.
Videos posted on X also captured airport staff working to extinguish the flames as white smoke surrounded them.
Speaking to a news agency shortly after the incident, American Airlines stated, “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 also confirmed that it was arranging a replacement aircraft to transport passengers to their intended destination. The affected travelers would be flown to Dallas-Fort Worth, as the original flight was enroute to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport when the incident occurred.
The FAA is currently investigating the matter.
