WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - An American Airlines

jet's engine caught fire after it diverted to land in

Denver on Thursday, forcing the evacuation of passengers using

the plane's slides, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

American Airlines Flight 1006 from Colorado Springs on a

Boeing 737-800 landed in Denver around 5:15 p.m. local

time (2315 GMT), diverting from its planned destination of

Dallas after the crew reported engine vibrations, the FAA said.

Several dramatic videos of passengers standing on the wing

of the plane before evacuating as smoke poured out the engine

were posted on social media.

"After landing safely and taxiing to the gate at Denver

International Airport (DEN), American Airlines Flight 1006

experienced an engine-related issue," the airline said in a

statement.

"The 172 customers and six crew members deplaned and are

being relocated to the terminal. We thank our crew members,

(Denver) team and first responders for their quick and decisive

action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as

the priority," the airline added.

The FAA said it would investigate the incident.

Boeing ( BA ) declined to comment, referring queries to American

Airlines ( AAL ) and investigators.

The engine fire is the latest in a series of high-profile

aviation incidents that have raised questions about U.S.

aviation safety, including the January 29 mid-air collision of

an American Airlines ( AAL ) regional jet and an Army helicopter that

killed 67 people.