N306SW: American Airlines Flight 3023 Aborts Takeoff at Denver Airport
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 2:16 PM local time (20:16 UTC), a Boeing 737 MAX 8 (registration N306SW) experienced an emergency during takeoff at Denver International Airport (DEN/KDEN) in Denver, Colorado. The aircraft, operating as American Airlines Flight 3023, was forced to abort takeoff on runway 34L when smoke and flames were observed under the left main landing gear.
All 179 occupants aboard — 173 passengers and 6 crew members — were safely evacuated via emergency slides..
A passenger says he heard a loud boom, and then the plane started quickly slowing down. “When the plane was almost stopped, we’ve seen one of the wheels from the plane actually pass on the left of us, on the left of the plane. So we knew right away something was wrong with the landing gear.“
N306SW Flight Details
American Airlines Flight 3023 was a scheduled passenger flight from Denver International Airport to Miami International Airport (MIA).
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Time: c. 20:16 UTC (2:16 PM Local)
- Flight: AA-3023
- Type: Boeing 737 MAX 8
- Owner/Operator: American Airlines
- Registration: N306SW
- Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 44488/8006
- Year of Manufacture: 2021
- Engine Model: CFMI CFM LEAP-1B
- Fatalities: 0
- Occupants: 179 (173 passengers + 6 crew)
- Maximum Capacity: Approximately 178-189 passengers
- Phase of Flight: Takeoff
- Location: Denver International Airport (DEN/KDEN), Denver, CO
- Phase: Takeoff
- Nature: Passenger – Scheduled
- Departure Airport: Denver International Airport, CO (DEN/KDEN)
- Destination Airport: Miami International Airport, FL (MIA/KMIA)
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
AAL3023 ATC Audio
Ground Transport & Medical Response
Once the fire was extinguished and the runway secured, all passengers were transported by bus to the terminal. According to Denver Airport and local emergency services:
- Six passengers were evaluated on site by first responders.
- One individual was transported to a local hospital for a minor injury.
- The remaining five were cleared on scene, with no major medical emergencies reported.
FAA Statements & Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the following statement:
“American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a possible landing gear incident during departure from Denver International Airport around 2:45 p.m. local time Saturday, July 26. Passengers evacuated on the runway and are being transported to the terminal by bus. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was headed to Miami International Airport. The FAA will investigate. Contact the airline for additional information.”
The investigation is ongoing, with the FAA and American Airlines analyzing flight data, mechanical systems, and the sequence of events leading to the emergency.
Related: March 2025 Incident Involving American Airlines at DIA
This is the second incident in 2025 involving an American Airlines aircraft and an emergency evacuation at Denver International Airport.
On March 13, 2025, Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 departing Colorado Springs for Dallas-Fort Worth, was diverted to Denver after the crew reported engine vibrations. The repeated nature of these high-profile emergencies raises questions about aircraft maintenance procedures, emergency response protocols, and airline oversight.
Comparison: March vs. July 2025 Incidents
Note: All reported information is preliminary and subject to change pending the outcome of the official FAA investigation. Ramos Law will continue monitoring developments as they unfold.
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More than 170 passengers evacuated an American Airlines plane at Denver International Airport on Saturday, using emergency slides amid swirling smoke from a small fire.
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 28, 2025
The Federal Aviation Authority said in a statement that it would launch an investigation and that the flight… pic.twitter.com/eAALVGegfY