Investigation launched after American Airlines flight 1006 fire at Denver airport
- American Airlines flight 1006 faced an engine-related issue when arriving in Denver, causing smoke to fill the cabin.
- Passengers described experiencing strange engine noises and insufficient emergency response during the incident.
- The investigation by NTSB will focus on the events leading up to the fire and evaluate safety protocols and mechanical checks.
In the United States, an incident involving American Airlines flight 1006 has led to an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The event occurred at Denver International Airport on the evening of March 14, 2025, when the flight, arriving from Colorado Springs and en route to Dallas-Fort Worth, experienced a serious engine-related issue that resulted in smoke filling the passenger cabin upon landing. Among travelers was Terri Prager, a former flight attendant, who noted that there were troubling engine noises during the flight, indicating a potential problem. Communication records indicated no emergency was declared during the flight, but engine vibrations prompted the crew to make the decision to turn back and land in Denver. Upon landing, American Airlines released a statement confirming the situation, indicating that an engine issue surfaced after the aircraft safely arrived at the gate. Passengers reported experiencing heightened anxiety as they noticed smoke beginning to develop. Many utilized the ramp for exit, while others attempted to escape through evacuation slides, which reportedly did not function properly. Prager highlighted the unusual absence of fire engines on the runway during landing, an expectation based on her experience in the airline industry. The investigation by two NTSB officials aims to determine critical details surrounding the incident, including the exact timing of the smoke's emergence and the possible mechanical failures that might have contributed to the fire in the engine. They will scrutinize the aircraft's pre-departure checks in Colorado Springs and delve into the timeline of events after the crew landed. In addition, discrepancies regarding the timely arrival of emergency response crews and overall safety protocol will be investigated. Several passengers were injured while attempting to exit the aircraft precariously from the wing. The NTSB is expected to issue a preliminary report within a month, with a comprehensive final report due in 12 to 24 months. The situation underlines the importance of thorough safety checks and efficient responses in potentially dangerous scenarios for airline operators. Authorities will need to assess how communication about in-flight emergencies is handled, especially concerning the on-ground teams and their preparation for swift action.