Frontier Airlines A321 Aborts Take‑off After Striking Person on Runway at Denver International Airport

A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321‑271NX aborted its take‑off at Denver International Airport (DEN) on Friday after the aircraft struck a person who had entered an active runway during the Los Angeles‑bound departure, prompting an emergency evacuation.

Flight F9 4345, operated by Airbus A321‑271NX N646FR, was accelerating for take‑off on Runway 17L when the crew reported striking a person on the runway. The pilots advised air traffic control of an engine fire and smoke in the cabin, prompting a high‑speed rejected take‑off. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway, and all 231 passengers and crew evacuated via emergency slides. Emergency responders later confirmed that the individual struck during the take‑off roll had died at the scene.

Frontier Airlines released a statement after the tragic event:

“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.”

Denver International Airport later confirmed the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit just two minutes later while crossing the runway. The pedestrian is deceased, and is not believed to be an employee of the airport nor have they been identified.