An American Airlines flight bound for Miami was abruptly halted and evacuated at Denver International Airport on Saturday, following a mechanical malfunction involving the aircraft’s landing gear. The incident triggered a swift emergency response and has since prompted a formal investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Landing Gear Malfunction Disrupts Takeoff

The flight, identified as American Airlines Flight 3023, was scheduled to depart Denver for Miami International Airport on the afternoon of July 27, 2025. At approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, while still on the runway and preparing for departure, the aircraft encountered an issue with its landing gear. The plane involved was a Boeing 737 MAX 8, a model already under close scrutiny in the aviation industry due to previous safety concerns.

Denver Fire Department officials reported that the aircraft never left the ground and that the issue emerged just before takeoff. The flight crew acted quickly, alerting air traffic control and initiating emergency procedures. As a precautionary measure, the captain called for an immediate evacuation.

Full Evacuation Carried Out Safely

A total of 173 passengers and six crew members were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. Emergency evacuation slides were deployed, and all passengers and crew exited the plane on the tarmac. According to statements from both American Airlines and Denver Fire Department personnel, the evacuation was completed efficiently, with minimal complications.

Only one individual suffered minor injuries during the evacuation process and was transported to a nearby hospital for further assessment. No other injuries were reported.

CBS News, citing officials on-site, confirmed that all other passengers were evaluated at the scene and deemed safe. American Airlines arranged alternative travel plans for affected travelers, although some delays were experienced.

FAA Launches Formal Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration released a statement soon after the event, noting that the aircraft’s crew “reported a possible landing gear incident during departure.” FAA investigators have since begun examining both the aircraft and the airline’s maintenance logs to determine whether a mechanical failure, procedural error, or maintenance oversight was responsible.

Officials have not disclosed whether the issue was related to the landing gear itself or a sensor or system associated with its operation. However, the FAA emphasized that all mechanical problems involving takeoff and landing systems are treated as high-priority matters due to their potential safety implications.

American Airlines Responds

In an official response, American Airlines confirmed the evacuation and praised the crew for their swift and professional handling of the emergency. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and pledged full cooperation with regulatory authorities during the ongoing investigation.

“Our crew followed all protocols to ensure the safety of everyone on board,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the quick response of emergency personnel at Denver International Airport and are supporting all affected passengers as we investigate this incident.”

The aircraft has been removed from service and will undergo a thorough inspection before any decision is made regarding its future operations.

Context: Ongoing Concerns Surrounding the 737 MAX Series

This incident adds to the broader public and regulatory scrutiny of the Boeing 737 MAX family. Though the MAX 8 model was cleared to fly after grounding in 2019 and 2020 due to two fatal crashes, several subsequent mechanical and technical issues have prompted renewed concerns in the aviation community.

While it remains unclear whether Saturday’s malfunction is linked to any systemic flaw in the aircraft’s design or manufacture, aviation analysts suggest that any safety incident involving a 737 MAX model warrants immediate and transparent examination.

Passengers Praise Crew’s Calm and Swift Action

Several passengers spoke to local media outlets, commending the crew’s professionalism and calm demeanor during the tense moments. One traveler described the experience as “frightening but well-managed,” noting that flight attendants maintained order and reassured passengers throughout the evacuation.

Another passenger said, “Everyone followed directions quickly. It was scary, but the staff did everything right, and I’m thankful we were all okay.”

Conclusion: Safety Procedures Credited for Positive Outcome

Though the incident undoubtedly disrupted travel plans and raised new questions about aircraft safety, the swift action by the flight crew and first responders ensured a safe outcome for nearly 180 people. With only one minor injury and a rapid evacuation completed successfully, the situation underscores the importance of rigorous training and preparedness in the airline industry.

As the FAA’s investigation proceeds, American Airlines and aviation regulators are expected to release further details in the coming days. Passengers and industry watchers alike will be looking closely at what caused this near-disaster—and how airlines can prevent such issues in the future.