Introduction
On 13 March 2025, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N885NN, operating flight AA-1006 from Colorado Springs, CO to Dallas Fort Worth, TX (USA), encountered engine vibrations on climb-out, prompting the crew to stop their ascent at approximately 16,000 feet and divert to Denver International Airport (DEN).
Following a safe landing on Runway 16R, the aircraft taxied to the apron, but upon arriving at the gate, the right-hand engine (CFM56) caught fire, necessitating an emergency evacuation via slides.
Emergency services quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Sequence of Events
Departure & Engine Anomalies
• Flight AA-1006 departed Colorado Springs Airport (COS) bound for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
• Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew detected significant vibrations from the right-hand engine (CFM56).
• The crew decided to halt their climb at 16,000 feet and began coordinating a diversion to Denver (DEN).
Diversion & Landing at Denver
• The flight crew followed standard emergency procedures, communicated their situation to air traffic control (ATC), and initiated a controlled descent towards Denver.
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 16R at Denver International Airport approximately one hour after departure.
• ATC and ground crews were already on alert for any potential mechanical issues upon arrival.
Engine Fire & Emergency Evacuation
• The aircraft taxied to the gate as normal, but shortly after reaching the apron, the right-hand engine ignited.
• Flight crew immediately declared an emergency, and cabin crew initiated an emergency evacuation using slides.
• All 172 passengers and 6 crew members successfully evacuated without injury.
• Denver’s airport fire services responded promptly, bringing the engine fire under control before it could spread.
Investigation & Airline Response
FAA & NTSB Inquiry
The FAA has confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine:
• The cause of the engine vibrations during departure.
• The sequence of events leading to the fire upon arrival at Denver.
• Whether the fire was linked to pre-existing mechanical issues or developed as a secondary failure.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) may also provide oversight depending on the findings.
American Airlines Statement
American Airlines confirmed the incident, stating:
• The aircraft experienced a technical issue with the right-hand engine shortly after takeoff.
• The crew followed all established safety protocols, prioritizing passenger safety by diverting to Denver.
• The cause of the post-landing engine fire remains under investigation.
A replacement Boeing 737-8 MAX (N304RB) was dispatched to transport passengers to Dallas Fort Worth, arriving 7.5 hours behind schedule.
Potential Causes & Safety Considerations
1. Engine Vibrations & Potential Mechanical Failure
• The CFM56-7B engine is widely used across the Boeing 737 fleet, but vibrations can indicate mechanical stress, compressor stalls, or internal component failure.
• Further inspection will determine whether a mechanical defect, bird ingestion, or sensor malfunction contributed to the vibration issue.
2. Post-Landing Fire & Fuel Residue Risks
• One possibility is that residual fuel, oil leaks, or hydraulic fluid contamination led to ignition.
• The FAA investigation will assess whether the fire was related to a hot engine shutdown, internal oil leaks, or external debris.
3. Impact on Evacuation & Passenger Safety
• The crew’s rapid decision-making ensured a safe evacuation with no reported injuries.
• The incident highlights the importance of effective cabin crew response and airport emergency preparedness.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and rapid emergency response.
While engine vibrations prompted a precautionary diversion, the fire after landing raised additional safety concerns, necessitating a full investigation into the aircraft’s mechanical condition.
The FAA’s findings will determine whether procedural changes or maintenance adjustments are needed across similar aircraft in American Airlines’ fleet.
Passengers and crew avoided injury due to swift emergency actions, reinforcing the effectiveness of aviation safety protocols in handling high-risk engine malfunctions.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 14 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
