Frontier A321 strikes runway pedestrian in Denver
Dhaka: A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321neo struck a pedestrian on an active runway while accelerating for takeoff at Denver International Airport on the late night of May 8, killing the individual and triggering an emergency evacuation of all 231 people on board.
The aircraft, operating as Frontier flight 4345 to Los Angeles, was rolling down runway 17L at approximately 23:19 local time when the crew spotted a person walking across the runway. The jet struck the individual during the takeoff roll, prompting the pilot to immediately abort and bring the aircraft to a stop.
ADS-B data from a flight tracking platform shows the A321 had reached a top speed of 127 knots before the takeoff was aborted.
The impact at such a high speed caused a brief engine fire. The Denver Fire Department responded quickly and extinguished the blaze. As smoke entered the cabin, the pilot ordered an emergency evacuation, and all 224 passengers and 7 crew members exited via emergency slides onto the runway.
Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot's transmission to the tower: "Tower, Frontier 4345, we're stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody. We have an engine fire." Shortly after, the pilot added that smoke was present on the aircraft and that an evacuation was underway.
At least one passenger sustained a minor injury during the evacuation. All those on board were medically evaluated as a standard precaution following such incidents.
Media reports later confirmed the pedestrian struck by the aircraft died. Authorities have not yet released the individual's identity, nor have they explained how the person gained access to the active runway.
Denver International Airport confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the Denver Fire Department had promptly extinguished the engine fire. Runway 17L was closed pending investigation.
The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and will lead the investigation into the incident.
Frontier Airlines, in an official statement, said the carrier is "investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities," adding that it is "deeply saddened by this event."
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