A Frontier Airlines flight experienced a serious incident at Denver International Airport when it struck a pedestrian on the runway. The event occurred on a late Friday evening and involved Flight 4345, an Airbus A321, which was scheduled to travel from Denver to Los Angeles.
Incident Details
The plane was set to depart at 10:39 p.m. local time. As Flight 4345 attempted to take off, it reportedly hit an individual who was on the runway. The incident took place at approximately 11:19 p.m. local time, leading to the immediate decision by the pilots to abort the takeoff.
- Flight Number: 4345
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A321
- Passengers: 224
- Crew Members: 7
- Scheduled Departure: 10:39 p.m. local time
Emergency Response
Following the collision, smoke was reported in the cabin. The flight crew evacuated passengers using emergency slides as a precautionary measure. Ground emergency services, including the Denver Fire Department, quickly responded to the situation.
Reports indicated a brief engine fire, which was swiftly extinguished. All passengers were directed back to the terminal without any serious injuries reported.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local law enforcement to investigate the circumstances surrounding the runway incident. A spokesperson from the FAA confirmed that the agency is conducting inquiries into the event.
Flight data revealed that the aircraft was traveling at approximately 146 miles per hour when the pilot made the decision to abort the takeoff.
- Runway Closures: Runway 17L will remain closed during the investigation.
- Involved Authorities: NTSB, FAA, Denver International Airport operations.
Company Statement
Frontier Airlines expressed deep sorrow over the occurrence, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The airline is currently assisting in the investigation and ensuring passenger safety remains a top priority.
This incident at Denver International Airport underscores the importance of runway safety and the immediate response capabilities of airport emergency teams.
