Frontier Airlines jet strikes and kills runway trespasser during Denver take-off

Frontier Airlines flight F9 4345 to Los Angeles, operated by Airbus A321neo registered N646FR and carrying 224 passengers and 7 crew, fatally struck a runway trespasser while accelerating for take-off from runway 17L at Denver International Airport late Friday night.

Air traffic control audio captured the pilot of the Frontier flight reporting, “We just hit somebody,” moments after being cleared for departure to Los Angeles International Airport. The pilot also reported an engine fire after the impact and immediately aborted the take-off.

Authorities said the individual had climbed over a perimeter fence and entered the runway area approximately two minutes before the collision. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the aircraft was travelling at high speed when the impact occurred.

Smoke entered the cabin after the strike, prompting an emergency evacuation using inflatable slides. Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, with five transported to hospital. Witnesses described seeing flames near the aircraft’s wing and heavy smoke inside the cabin.

The Denver Fire Department extinguished the fire quickly, and passengers were later returned to the terminal before being rebooked on another flight.

Airport officials stated the trespasser was not believed to be an airport employee and said the perimeter fence was found intact after inspection. The affected runway was closed while the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board launched investigations.

Frontier Airlines and airport authorities both expressed condolences following the incident.