Disaster Averted: American Airlines Plane Catches Fire After Major Maintenance Error

In a shocking revelation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says the reason an American Airlines plane caught fire earlier this year was because some engine parts were installed backward. This serious mistake led to a terrifying situation for passengers and crew and has raised big questions about aircraft maintenance and safety.

The incident happened in April during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. Smoke and fire were seen coming from one of the engines, forcing the plane to stop on the runway and passengers to evacuate quickly. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, but the situation was extremely dangerous.

What Did Investigators Find?

After a deep investigation, the NTSB discovered that rotating components inside the engine’s turbine section had been installed the wrong way during maintenance. This caused a breakdown inside the engine, leading to the fire.

According to the NTSB’s report, this wasn’t a simple error — it was a critical mistake during engine work that should have been caught through inspection. Experts say if the parts had been installed correctly, this fiery incident likely would not have happened.

How the Fire Unfolded

The plane, an Airbus A321, was rolling down the runway for takeoff when the left engine started failing. Passengers noticed smoke and alerted the flight crew, who quickly stopped the plane.

The fire was captured on video by people inside the aircraft, and clips went viral online, showing thick smoke pouring from the engine. Emergency slides were deployed, and everyone was evacuated safely.

Maintenance Error or System Failure?

This engine had been serviced just months before the flight, and the NTSB’s findings suggest that the work done during that time was not up to standard. The report did not mention which maintenance company was responsible, but officials say this is a serious lapse in safety protocol.

Aviation experts are now urging all airlines to double-check engine assembly procedures and improve quality control during repairs. Even a small mistake, like parts installed the wrong way, can lead to a life-threatening event.

What Happens Next?

The NTSB is expected to continue investigating how such an error went unnoticed. American Airlines said in a statement that they are working closely with investigators and reviewing all maintenance procedures to prevent this from happening again.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) might issue new safety guidelines or checks for airlines across the U.S.