An American Airlines flight bound for Dallas was forced to make a distressing emergency landing in Denver after experiencing engine issues, leading to a terrifying evacuation for its passengers.
**Passengers Recall 'Horrific' Escape from Burning American Airlines Flight**
**Passengers Recall 'Horrific' Escape from Burning American Airlines Flight**
Witnesses describe a chaotic emergency landing that left all passengers unharmed but shaken.
A flight meant to glide smoothly across the skies rapidly turned into panic for 172 passengers aboard an American Airlines jet that caught fire during an emergency landing in Colorado. Eyewitness accounts emerged detailing the frantically chaotic situation as passengers scrambled to escape, with many forced to stand on the wing of the smoking aircraft. Fortunately, all aboard, including a crew of six, were able to exit the plane safely, though twelve individuals were treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
Michele Woods, one of the passengers, recounted to CBS News that the flight took off without any apparent issues until a disturbing noise began emanating from one of the engines. The incident forced the plane to divert to Denver around 5:15 PM local time, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), citing reported engine vibrations. However, upon landing, the crisis intensified when smoke filled the cabin, heightening fears among the passengers.
Ingrid Hibbit, traveling with her family, described the experience as surreal, recalling flames visible outside the window and the disconcerting melting of the glass. As she navigated the emergency exit while wearing sandals, she felt the overwhelming anxiety of being separated from her loved ones on board. Communication between family members was restricted to text messages, compounding the fear of uncertainty about each other’s safety.
Despite the harrowing 10-minute ordeal, Hibbit expressed profound relief at the end, stating the emotional weight lifted once they reunited after landing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport early Friday morning. The group of passengers shared a sense of gratitude that the situation did not escalate further, with Hibbit emphasizing that had this occurred mid-flight, the story might have ended differently.
Michele Woods, one of the passengers, recounted to CBS News that the flight took off without any apparent issues until a disturbing noise began emanating from one of the engines. The incident forced the plane to divert to Denver around 5:15 PM local time, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), citing reported engine vibrations. However, upon landing, the crisis intensified when smoke filled the cabin, heightening fears among the passengers.
Ingrid Hibbit, traveling with her family, described the experience as surreal, recalling flames visible outside the window and the disconcerting melting of the glass. As she navigated the emergency exit while wearing sandals, she felt the overwhelming anxiety of being separated from her loved ones on board. Communication between family members was restricted to text messages, compounding the fear of uncertainty about each other’s safety.
Despite the harrowing 10-minute ordeal, Hibbit expressed profound relief at the end, stating the emotional weight lifted once they reunited after landing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport early Friday morning. The group of passengers shared a sense of gratitude that the situation did not escalate further, with Hibbit emphasizing that had this occurred mid-flight, the story might have ended differently.
