by Authorities claimed that a possible issue with the plane’s landing gear caused passengers to go down an emergency slide of a smoking flight at Denver International Airport.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a potential landing gear incident on Saturday afternoon while it was departing Denver. The airline, which is located in Fort Worth, Texas, said in a statement that the issue was with an aircraft tire.
According to American, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was en route to Miami International Airport with 173 passengers and six crew members.
People were seen on camera gripping baggage and little children as they fell down the inflatable chute toward the front of the aircraft. At least one adult with a little child was among the passengers who stumbled at the end of the slide and fell onto the concrete runway. After that, a bus brought the passengers to the terminal.
Minturn, Colorado, 17-year-old Shay Armistead recounted a tumultuous scene.
We were drifting to the left side of the runway as the jet began to shake violently after hearing a big boom, Armistead told The Associated Press in an interview.
When it occurred, Armistead and her fellow ski racers were traveling from Colorado to Chile.
“Oh my God,” she recalled, “I started grabbing my friend’s hands. Then they slammed on the brakes, and we all kind of went forward until they finally brought the plane to a stop.” It was simply horrible.
According to a statement from American Airlines, one of the travelers was transported to a hospital with a minor injury. According to airport officials, five individuals were assessed for injuries on the spot but did not need to be admitted to the hospital.
Passenger Shaun Williams told KUSA-TV, “We hear a big bang and a pop about halfway to takeoff speed.” The pilot initiated abort procedures for takeoff right away. He started to apply the brakes, and you could feel it.
According to the Denver Fire Department, firefighters put out a fire aboard the aircraft.
The aircraft was pulled out of operation so that our repair staff could inspect it, and all passengers and crew members safely disembarked, according to American.
The FAA said in a statement that it is looking into the matter.
Armistead expressed gratitude for her safety and for everyone who assisted her and the other passengers.
Armistead stated, “You just have to be thankful for what you have, and I’m so thankful that it wasn’t worse.”
