A group of passengers has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines in connection with a March 2025 engine fire that led to an emergency evacuation at Denver International Airport. The complaint, filed in a Colorado federal court last week, names 16 passengers — including two minors — as plaintiffs.
The case centers on American flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 registered as N885NN, which departed Colorado Springs on March 13 bound for Dallas/Fort Worth. According to the filing, the aircraft experienced high engine vibrations and exhaust gas temperature issues with its right engine shortly after takeoff.
The flight diverted to Denver, where the engine ignited after landing and taxiing to the gate.
The passengers allege negligence in both the operation and maintenance of the aircraft. The complaint points to the crew’s decision to continue takeoff despite indications of engine issues, not declaring an emergency during the diversion, and proceeding to the gate rather than requesting firefighting support upon landing.
The lawsuit states American “failed to properly follow abnormal and/or emergency checklists” and “failed to properly and orderly evacuate the aircraft,” among other claims.
Maintenance Issues
The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report, released in June, cited multiple engine maintenance deficiencies. Investigators found that a fuel fitting on the right engine’s variable stator vane actuator was improperly secured, which allowed fuel to leak.
In addition, the report also noted an incorrectly fastened actuator rod and a fractured weld on the actuator linkage. Additionally, sealant was discovered blocking a thrust reverser drain line, and a fractured fan blade platform would have been visible during a pre-flight inspection.
The lawsuit further alleges failures in the carrier’s training, hiring, and supervision of its employees, along with claims of gross negligence and emotional distress.
Passengers describe panic inside the cabin as smoke filled the aircraft, with some forced to evacuate through overwing exits onto the wing before being rescued by ground crews.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other losses.
N885NN returned to service in June, around three months after the incident.
