NTSB: Maintenance errors a factor in American Airlines fire
The American Airlines fire at Denver International Airport earlier this year had parts wrongly installed and had fuel leaks.
These are part of the initial findings in the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report.
The plane took off for Dallas and immediately the pilots noticed issues with the right engine.
After returning to the airport it caught fire.
There were at least two parts that were fitted incorrectly, one of which caused a fuel leak.
“The captain noted high engine vibration indications for the right engine,” the report said.
Passengers had to evacuate the aircraft by walking along the wings.
The report found ‘the lockwire of a fuel fitting on the variable stator vane was loose and installed in the incorrect direction.’
Also, one engine fan blade platform was fractured, the report stated.
There were 172 passengers and six crew on board at the time of the incident.
A total of 18 people suffered only minor injuries, while the aircraft had ‘significant’ damage.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season