Denver Plane Crash

A Continental Airlines plane ran off of the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff on December 20, 2008. The Boeing 737 then crashed into a 40-foot deep ravine and burst into flames. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 38 people were injured in the accident, and five remained hospitalized on the afternoon of December 21, 2008.CNN: Data recorders found after Denver plane accident

On December 22, 2008, reports said the federal investigators had recovered the flight's data and voice recorders. Initial reports indicated an aborted takeoff combined with a heavy crosswind and possible braking problems might have caused the plane to skid off the runway.CNN: Data recorders found after Denver plane accident FOX News: Denver Jet Crash Investigators Focus on Brakes, Crosswind (December 22, 2008) Passengers were apparently told that the plane had experienced "engine problems" at the gate by officials before they boarded. They were then told "everything is fine" and were allowed to board.CNN: Passenger: Airline announced 'engine problems' before flight (December 22, 2008)

"For some reason, I just didn't believe it was happening. I was just kind of going with the moment. Everything just sounded a lot quieter. I just felt a glow on my right side. That was the only light I had in the entire cabin and I felt the warmth. I didn't smell anything right away yet. I just heard someone yell, 'It's on fire! Get out!' We all just left."—Kristina Beagle, passenger on Continental Airlines Flight 1404CBS News: Amid Chaos, Passengers Remained Calm (December 22, 2008)

"whoever was on the left side exit row, god bless him, was johnny on the spot and instantly had the door open - people crowded out in a mass"— Mike Wilson, aka "2drinksbehind" on TwitterDemidog Blog: Twitterer relates his experience in Denver plane crash

"You have your wits scared out of you, drag your butt out of a flaming ball of wreckage and you can't even get a vodka-tonic. Boo"— Mike Wilson, aka "2drinksbehind" on TwitterDemidog Blog: Twitterer relates his experience in Denver plane crash