American Airlines Plane Catches Fire During Takeoff, Tire Blows

A harrowing video has emerged showing an American Airlines plane blowing a tire during takeoff at Tampa International Airport in Florida, sending a plume of smoke into the air. Passengers and crew were reportedly uninjured in the incident, which occurred Wednesday morning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause of the incident.

An American Airlines plane was forced to abort its takeoff at Tampa International Airport on Wednesday after a tire blew, causing the aircraft to emit a plume of smoke.

American Airlines Plane Catches Fire During Takeoff, Tire Blows

A video taken by a plane spotter captured the incident, showing the American Airlines Boeing 737-800 taxiing on the runway when the right tire suddenly burst and caught fire. The video reveals the plane's tires sparking and leaving fragments on the runway.

"A blown tire," the plane spotter, Capt. Steven Markovich, can be heard exclaiming on the recording. "Emergency! Emergency! Emergency! They’re on fire!"

American Airlines Plane Catches Fire During Takeoff, Tire Blows

Witnesses on the ground described seeing the plane with a "large amount of smoke" coming from its right side.

"There is going to be stuff all over the runway," Markovich warns in the video. "Holy crap, I think they're on fire!"

American Airlines Plane Catches Fire During Takeoff, Tire Blows

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred around 7:50 a.m. ET as the plane was preparing to depart for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The aircraft had 174 passengers and six crew members on board.

American Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that all passengers and crew were safely deplaned and bused back to the terminal.

"We never want to disrupt our customers' travel plans and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused," an airline spokesperson said.

The airline also confirmed that the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue and that the FAA is investigating the incident.

No injuries were reported in the incident, according to the Texas-based airline.

The FAA is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the tire failure. The incident highlights the importance of regular aircraft maintenance and safety inspections to prevent such occurrences.

As the investigation continues, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on any potential delays or disruptions due to the incident.