Video Shows Terrified Passengers Evacuating Plane After It Was Forced To Make Emergency Landing

Terrifying video captured passengers frantically evacuating an American Airlines flight after it was forced to make an emergency landing at Denver International Airport Saturday due to a landing gear failure that led to smoke and flames.

American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was preparing to take off for Miami around 2:45 p.m. local time when air traffic control warned the cockpit, “Flight 3023, you got a lot of smoke.” Moments later, the controller added, “You are actually on fire.”

Another scary Boeing 737 MAX 8 incident 😟

American Airlines Flight 3023 caught fire on the runway at Denver after a tire issue (July 26, 2025). 173 passengers + 6 crew evacuated safely, 1 hospitalized.

What’s going on with all these plane accidents lately? 🤔✈️ pic.twitter.com/j0jSvOm9Bz

— Krithi Sharma (@krithi_sharma) July 27, 2025

As the aircraft came to a stop, thick black smoke began to pour from its rear left side. Footage showed passengers sliding down the emergency chutes, some screaming as they fled the plane. Panic spread quickly as people scrambled to safety, fearing an explosion. (RELATED: Justice Department Investigating Possible Airline Price-Fixing)

“There was some flames. Looks like the smoke is dying down a bit,” another voice on the radio said during the emergency response.

The Denver Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the flames, announcing the fire was out in a post around 5:10 p.m. local time.

According to American Airlines, all 173 passengers and six crew members successfully evacuated the aircraft. Six individuals were evaluated for minor injuries, and one person was transported to a nearby hospital.

🚨#BREAKING: Watch as People evacuate from a American Airlines jet after a left main wheels caught fire

📌#Denver | #Colorado

Watch as passengers and crew evacuate American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, at Denver International Airport. The Miami-bound jet was forced… pic.twitter.com/RmUrXYj5Jp

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 26, 2025

The airline attributed the incident to a tire issue. “All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” American Airlines said in a statement. “We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience.”

A replacement flight was arranged to transport the passengers to Miami later that evening.