What caused American Airlines flight’s wheels to catch fire became a major concern on July 26, 2025, when a Boeing 737 MAX 8 preparing for takeoff at Denver International Airport suddenly erupted in flames beneath its landing gear.
The aircraft, operating as American Airlines Flight 3023 bound for Miami, was accelerating on the runway when the incident occurred. According to preliminary reports, a tire on the left main landing gear may have blown out or overheated, leading to a small fire that quickly spread around the brake assembly.
Eyewitnesses onboard and near the runway reported seeing smoke pouring from the rear of the plane just before the pilot aborted takeoff. Emergency slides were immediately deployed, and all 179 people on board—including 173 passengers and six crew members—were swiftly evacuated. One passenger sustained minor injuries during the evacuation and was treated at a nearby hospital.
Table of Contents
Key Incident Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | American Airlines 3023 |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 737 MAX 8 |
| Location | Denver International Airport |
| Destination | Miami, Florida |
| Cause of Fire | Suspected tire failure and brake overheating |
| Passengers Evacuated | 179 total |
| Injuries | 1 minor injury |
| Status of Aircraft | Grounded for inspection |
What may have caused the fire?
Initial assessments suggest that the fire was caused by overheating of the brakes due to a blown or worn-out tire, which may have failed during the takeoff roll. The friction between the tire remnants and the runway, combined with the rapid acceleration of the plane, likely caused the brakes to ignite.
While the full investigation is ongoing, aviation experts believe factors such as tire pressure, wear and tear, or heat buildup could have played a role in this incident. Brake system fires during high-speed takeoff attempts are rare but known risks when any component fails under stress.
Passenger Experience and Response
Passengers described the experience as chaotic but praised the flight crew for their quick response. Many slid down the inflatable emergency chutes within seconds of the order to evacuate. Smoke could be seen trailing from the aircraft’s rear landing gear as ground crews rushed in to douse the fire.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and extinguished the flames. The area around the aircraft was secured, and all passengers were transported back to the terminal. A replacement aircraft was later arranged to complete the journey to Miami.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the malfunction. American Airlines confirmed the plane would remain out of service until a full inspection was completed. Maintenance logs, tire pressure data, and flight crew reports will all be part of the detailed safety review.
Meanwhile, airline officials have thanked the crew for their calm handling of the situation and assured the public that safety remains their top priority.
Stay Informed
As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided regarding any safety concerns or procedural changes. If you were on the flight or have additional insights, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.