Passengers flee smoking plane on emergency slide at Denver airport

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

American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a “possible landing gear incident” during its departure from Denver on Sunday (AEST), the Federal Aviation Administration said. The problem involved an aircraft tyre, the airline said in a later statement.

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

Media footage 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.

Shay Armistead, 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,” Armistead told the Associated Press.

Armistead 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 went forward, and they finally brought the plane to a stop,” she said. “It was just terrifying.”

One passenger was taken to a hospital with a minor injury, American Airlines said. Five people were evaluated for injuries at the scene but did not require hospitalisation, airport officials said.

“About halfway to take-off speed, we hear a big bang and a pop,” passenger Shaun Williams told KUSA-TV. “The pilot immediately started [to] 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 Airlines said.

The aviation administrator said it was investigating.

Armistead said she was thankful for everyone who helped her and the other passengers.

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

AP

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