An Frontier Airlines plane struck and killed a person walking on the runway during takeoff in Aeroporto Internacional from Denver on Friday night. Flight 4345 was heading to Los Angeles with 231 people on board. The impact generated fire in an engine and smoke in the cabin. The pilots aborted the takeoff and the passengers evacuated the Airbus A321 across the runway.
Pedestre invaded track after jumping security fence
The person jumped the airport’s perimeter fence and crossed runway 17L about two minutes before being hit. The accident occurred around 11:19 pm. Autoridades confirmed that the victim was not an airport employee. Não identity has been released.
Transportes Sean Duffy’s secretary reported that the individual deliberately violated airport security. Local police investigate the case with support from the FAA and TSA. Security Equipes checked the east fence Saturday morning for breaches.
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Pilotos reported engine fire and smoke in the cabin
The pilot reported to the control tower that the plane had hit someone and that there was fire in the engine. ATC audio recording records the sequence. “Tower, Frontier 4345, we are stopping on the runway. Acabamos from hitting someone… we have engine fire,” said the commander.
Momentos later, with smoke inside the aircraft, the crew decided to evacuate. Denver Fire Department firefighters brought the fire under control quickly. Ninguém on board suffered serious injuries. Doze passengers reported minor injuries. Cinco were taken to hospitals for evaluation.
- The aircraft carried 224 passengers and seven crew.
- The flight was scheduled to take off at 10:39 pm.
- The Airbus A321 reached a speed of around 127 knots before braking.
- Passageiros were taken by bus to the terminal after evacuation.
- Most continued their journey on another company flight in the early hours of the morning.
Aeroporto closed track for investigation
Runway 17L remained closed during the initial investigation. The NTSB and FAA were notified. Investigadores analyze the circumstances of the invasion and the exact moment of impact. The airport reported that air traffic returned to normal in the following hours.
Passageiros described a loud thud followed by the smell of smoke. The crew acted calmly during the evacuation through the slides. Frontier Airlines highlighted that it followed all security protocols.
Companhia airline and authorities issue statements
Frontier Airlines expressed sadness over what happened. The company collaborates with authorities in collecting information. “We are deeply saddened by this event,” the company said in a statement.
The airport reinforced that runway invasions are rare. Medidas additional security measures can be evaluated after the final report. The investigation is expected to last weeks.