A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321-200N, registration N646FR performing flight F9-4345 from Denver,CO to Los Angeles,CA (USA) with 224 passengers and 7 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Denver's runway 17L when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 120 knots over ground) after hitting an individual walking on the runway. The aircraft slowed safely, emergency services extinguished a right hand engine (PW1133G) fire. The crew reported an individual was walking the runway, they hit him and had an engine fire, smoke appeared in the cabin. The passengers evacuated via slides. The pedestrian did not survive. 12 passengers received minor injuries as result of the evacuation, 5 of them were taken to hospitals.
Denver Airport reported: "Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine (PW1133G) fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Dept. Emergency crews responded to the scene and bussed passengers to the terminal. 231 souls were on board. Emergency response and investigation are ongoing. The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted."
The airline reported: "As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff. Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution. The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event."
The airline later reported the individual had leapt over a perimeter fence about 2 minutes prior to the collision.
The US Transport Secretary reported a trespasser breached airport security, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence and ran onto a runway. The aircraft was already moving at high speed.
According to local information, there may have been a gap in the airport's east perimeter fence, which was inspected by airport security on May 9th 2026 morning.
The airport later reported the perimeter fence was inspected and was found intact.
NTSB and FAA have opened investigations.
Denver Airport reported: "Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine (PW1133G) fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Dept. Emergency crews responded to the scene and bussed passengers to the terminal. 231 souls were on board. Emergency response and investigation are ongoing. The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted."
The airline reported: "As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff. Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution. The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event."
The airline later reported the individual had leapt over a perimeter fence about 2 minutes prior to the collision.
The US Transport Secretary reported a trespasser breached airport security, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence and ran onto a runway. The aircraft was already moving at high speed.
According to local information, there may have been a gap in the airport's east perimeter fence, which was inspected by airport security on May 9th 2026 morning.
The airport later reported the perimeter fence was inspected and was found intact.
NTSB and FAA have opened investigations.
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