The Boeing 737-800, operating as Flight 1006, departed Colorado Springs Airport at 4:37PM, en route to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Stock image of a plane’s wing. Credit: Waitforlight / Getty

Shortly after takeoff, the crew detected unusual engine vibrations and decided to divert to Denver as a precaution. The plane landed safely at approximately 5:15PM local time, per The New York Post.

While taxiing to Gate C38, one of the engines caught fire, leading to an immediate evacuation.

All 172 passengers and six crew members utilized emergency slides and exited onto the wings to distance themselves from the smoke and flames. Firefighters promptly extinguished the blaze. Twelve individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. ​

Passenger Gabrielle Hibbitts recounted the harrowing experience to CBS News Colorado, stating, “As soon as the plane landed, we smelled this weird burning plastic smell and then everybody started screaming and saying there was a fire.” Her mother, Ingrid, described the moment as surreal, expressing relief that the incident occurred on the ground rather than in the air. ​

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. American Airlines expressed gratitude towards their crew members, the Denver team, and emergency responders for their swift actions, emphasizing that safety remains their top priority. ​

This event is the latest in a series of aviation incidents in the United States. In January 2025, an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities.

Additionally, in February 2025, a Delta Air Lines regional jet overturned upon landing in Toronto during adverse weather conditions, injuring 18 individuals.

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An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter.Credit: Handout / Getty

Despite these occurrences, aviation experts maintain that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. The FAA continues to enforce stringent safety protocols and is committed to thoroughly investigating such incidents to enhance future safety measures.​

Passengers aboard Flight 1006 were accommodated and assisted with their travel arrangements following the evacuation. The airline is cooperating fully with authorities to determine the cause of the engine fire and to prevent similar incidents in the future.​

As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and maintaining confidence in air travel. Both American Airlines and regulatory bodies are expected to review and, if necessary, update safety procedures to address any identified issues arising from this incident.