Passengers frightened as plane ignites during landing in US
By Our Reporter
A Boeing 737 800 carrying 178 individuals Thursday caught fire due to an engine malfunction in the United States.
The Incident necessitated an emergency diversion to Denver International Airport on Thursday evening.
American Airlines Flight 1006, en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas Fort Worth, reported significant engine vibrations mid-flight, prompting the pilots to redirect to Denver.
The aircraft landed safely at around 5:15 PM (11:15 PM UK time), but shortly afterward, flames erupted from one of the engines while taxiing to the gate.
Terrifying footage shared online depicted flames and smoke billowing from the right engine, with some passengers standing on the wing as they awaited evacuation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that all 172 passengers and six crew members exited the aircraft without incident. However, 12 individuals were transported to the hospital for minor injuries.
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In a statement, American Airlines acknowledged an “engine-related issue” and commended the prompt actions of the crew, airport personnel, and emergency responders. The FAA has initiated an investigation into the engine fire, which occurred after the aircraft had landed and was taxiing toward the terminal. The plane, which is 13 years old, is equipped with CFM56 engines produced by CFM International, a collaboration between GE and Safran.
A spokesperson for Denver International Airport confirmed that the fire was swiftly extinguished, allowing flight operations to resume without major disruptions. This incident adds to a series of alarming aviation emergencies in recent months, raising questions about U.S. air safety standards.
On January 29, an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a military helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities. In February, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport amid strong winds, injuring 18 passengers.
This recent surge in aviation incidents has led to declining passenger confidence, as noted by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, who cited recent crashes, extreme weather, and economic uncertainty as contributing factors to the decrease in U.S. travel demand.
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