Frontier Airlines Plane Strikes and Kills Pedestrian on Denver Runway

A Frontier Airlines plane struck and killed a pedestrian on a runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff late Friday night, triggering an engine fire, smoke in the cabin and an emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew. m. local time.

The pilot immediately radioed air traffic control, stating the aircraft was stopping on the runway after hitting someone and reporting an engine fire. "We're stopping on the runway. We just hit somebody. com. The pilot added that an individual had been walking across the runway and confirmed 231 souls were on board before reporting smoke in the aircraft and initiating an evacuation.

The pedestrian had jumped a perimeter fence two minutes before the impact, airport officials said. The individual, who has not been identified, is not believed to be an airport employee. Officials said the fenceline was later found to be intact.

Passengers slid down emergency inflatable slides onto the runway and were later bused back to the terminal. Denver Fire Department crews extinguished the engine fire. Twelve passengers reported minor injuries and five were taken to local hospitals, the airport spokesperson said.

Frontier Airlines said in a statement that smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff. The carrier added it is investigating the incident in coordination with the airport and safety authorities. " — Frontier Airlines statement (May 9, 2026) One passenger who spoke to media described hearing a loud thud followed by seeing the right wing on fire.

"I thought I was going to burn to death," the passenger said after seeing flames and smoke fill the cabin area.

and Investigation Transportation Secretary Sean

Duffy described the deceased as a trespasser who deliberately scaled a perimeter fence and ran onto the runway. He noted the plane was traveling at high speed, between the typical commercial takeoff range of 150 and 180 miles per hour, when the collision occurred.

"No one should EVER trespass on an airport," Duffy said in a statement. He added that local law enforcement responsible for airport security would lead an investigation with support from federal agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and has begun an investigation.

Runway 17L remained closed for several hours while crews worked but was expected to reopen later Saturday. The Federal Aviation Administration is also involved in the review. The incident occurred one day after a separate fatal accident at another U.S. airport in which an employee was struck and killed by a vehicle near a jet bridge.

Officials continue to examine security protocols at airport perimeters following the Denver breach.