Kreindler Retained in American Airlines Engine Fire Evacuation Case in Denver, Colorado
What Happened
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 developed a fire, fume and smoke issue while on the ground at Denver International Airport (DEN). The flight (AA Flight 1006), originally scheduled from Colorado Springs (COS) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), had diverted to land in Denver due to reports of abnormal engine vibrations. The Boeing aircraft appeared to land safely at 5:15 p.m. on runway 16R, but shortly after taxiing (and possibly even after arriving at the gate) large flames and plumes of smoke were observed coming from near one of the aircraft’s two engines.
Then, based on passenger and airport customer video footage as well as social media reports, an unorganized and chaotic evacuation process ensued. Passengers were observed standing on the wing, stranded and waiting for help to get to the ground. Other passengers toward the rear of the plane were seen using the emergency slides, sliding down on the same side of the aircraft as the fire, and into the billowing smoke.
Although the total number of injuries is unknown, media reports say at least 12 people were sent to a nearby hospital.
Boeing 737-800
The aircraft involved in this incident is a fixed-wing multi-engine Boeing 737-823, registry number N885NN with CFM International turbo-fan CFM56-7B24E model engines. CFM International is a joint venture between General Electric (GE) and Safran Aircraft Engines.
According to an Air Safety Art diagram, the Boeing 737-800 is equipped with eight emergency exits in total, including four exits over the wings and four emergency evacuation slides, two in the front and two at the rear. There are no slides at the emergency exits over the wings.
In the Media
Preliminary Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began working on the investigation into the fire the following day. A preliminary report will be completed in 30 days, and the final report is estimated to take 12-24 months. The investigation will certainly look at the communication, procedures and response of Air Traffic Control, the American Airlines flight crew and emergency responders to understand if anything could have been done better to improve passenger safety and reduce the number of injuries and the extent of the injuries.
Kreindler Experience with Airplane Passenger Injuries
Kreindler has successfully handled numerous claims on behalf of passengers injured during travel:
Delta Air Lines 4819 Crash Landing at Toronto Airport
Kreindler represents numerous passengers following the recent crash landing of Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 at Toronto-Pearson International Airport.
Continental Flight 1404 at Denver International Airport
Continental flight 1404 crashed during take-off at Denver International Airport. The investigation focused on the brake and tire systems, potential engine thrust issues, strong winds, icing and inclement runway conditions.
Delta Airlines Flight 1086 at LaGuardia Airport
Delta Airlines flight 1086 ran off the runway at LaGuardia Airport and struck a perimeter fence after landing in poor weather. The investigation focused on mistakes committed by air traffic controllers and the Delta Air Lines pilots.
About Kreindler
Kreindler is the world's preeminent aviation accident law firm. Our airplane accident attorneys have been appointed leading counsel in nearly every major commercial airline disaster case in the U.S. and abroad. Kreindler & Kreindler LLP was recently named 2024 Transportation Law Firm of the Year by the National Law Journal. The firm’s aviation practice is led by attorneys who are also commercial-rated, veteran military pilots. Kreindler’s aviation accident attorneys have achieved an unmatched record of success representing people globally who have been injured or lost family members in international and domestic airline disasters. Kreindler has offices in New York, Boston and Los Angeles.