NTSB uncovers improper maintenance after American Airlines plane fire

In March, an American Airlines flight was forced to land in Denver, Colorado, after its right engine caught fire. This flight, which was headed to Dallas-Fort Worth from Colorado Springs, had reported high vibrations in the engine shortly after taking off. The crew's quick decision to divert and land safely was critical for the 172 passengers and six crew members on board. Reports indicate that after landing, both passengers and crew began to notice smoke and fire in the cabin. During the incident, flight attendants attempted to alert the flight crew, leading to an evacuation from the aircraft. Following the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) thoroughly investigated the aircraft and revealed that several engine parts had been improperly installed, with one part being loose and fastened in the wrong direction. Additionally, there was a significant fuel leak from a fitting that had also been incorrectly secured. The report confirmed that these engine issues led directly to the fire, which was further exacerbated by fuel leaking during the flight. The NTSB noted that investigators found visual evidence of the leaks on the engine exterior, indicating that maintenance issues might have played a critical role in the accident. The response to the fire was swift, with the flame being extinguished within a minute by gate workers before firefighters arrived to address any remaining hot spots. Unfortunately, twelve passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, underscoring the importance of the rapid response by both the crew and airport personnel. American Airlines was reported to be cooperating fully with the NTSB as the investigation continued to determine the precise cause and address safety concerns moving forward. This incident raises significant questions about maintenance practices and oversight in the aviation industry. With preliminary findings indicating improper maintenance, there could be wider implications for regulatory standards governing aircraft safety. While the NTSB has yet to release a final report determining the exact cause of the fire, their ongoing investigation will aim to ensure thorough quality control and safety adherence in aircraft operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.