Passengers evacuated onto the runway via emergency slide after an American Airlines flight aborted its takeoff on the runway in Denver on Saturday. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, officials said.
American Airlines flight 3023, which was headed to Miami, reported a "possible landing gear incident during departure," according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the incident.
Data from flight tracking website FlightRadar24 shows the plane reached a top speed of 127 knots -- nearly 150 miles -- on the runway before slowing down.
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In air traffic control audio obtained from LiveATC.net, the pilot told the controller they were "aborting on the runway." The controller told the pilot, "You got a lot of smoke." A moment later, the controller said, "There was some flames, it looks like the smoke's kind of dying down a bit."
The FAA said passengers evacuated the plane on the runway and were transported to the terminal by bus. Video showed passengers evacuating the aircraft on slides.
The flight was operated on a Boeing 737 Max 8. There were 173 passengers and six crew members on board, according to the airline.
According to the Denver International Airport, the plane was met by first responders. The Denver Fire Department said it extinguished a fire on the plane. The airport said six people were evaluated and one was taken to the hospital. The airline said the person transported had minor injuries.
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American Airlines said the passengers will go to Miami on a replacement plane later Saturday, while the original plane will be taken out of service and inspected.
The airline said in a statement, "We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience."
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