Limbs on runway: US plane hits man during takeoff, chilling cockpit audio emerges

A Frontier Airlines flight in Denver struck a trespasser on the runway during take-off, causing an engine fire and evacuation. The incident left passengers injured and prompted federal investigations.

In Short

• Pilots aborted take-off after reporting an engine fire to the tower
• Air traffic audio captured shocked crews describing limbs and remains
• Smoke filled the cabin as passengers evacuated using inflatable slides

A Frontier Airlines flight departing Denver International Airport turned into a deadly incident late on Friday night after striking a pedestrian who had breached airport security and entered an active runway, triggering an engine fire and emergency evacuation.

The aircraft, Frontier Flight 4345 bound for Los Angeles International Airport, was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members when the collision occurred at around 11.19 pm local time. According to Denver International Airport, the individual had jumped a perimeter fence and walked onto the runway before being struck during the aircraft's takeoff roll.

The impact led to a brief but intense engine fire on the Airbus A321neo, forcing the pilots to abort takeoff immediately. Air traffic control audio, going viral on social media, captured the stunned response from the cockpit: "Tower, Frontier 4345, we are stopping on the runway. Uh, we just hit somebody. We have an engine fire".

Moments later, airport personnel confirmed the severity of the scene. "I do have limbs on the runway. I believe the aircraft struck an individual," one official said over radio communications, later adding that "there appear to be human remains on the runway".

Passengers described scenes of panic inside the cabin as smoke filled the aircraft following the engine explosion. The fire was quickly brought under control by the Denver Fire Department, the airport said, but not before chaos unfolded onboard.

"When the engine blew up, I thought, 'Oh s**t, we're all going to die," a passenger, who was travelling with his sons, told The New York Post. He described a loud blast followed by screaming, crying children, and thick smoke spreading through the cabin. "It was horrific," he added.

Anthens, who was seated near a window, said he saw flames erupt from the engine and later described witnessing what he believed were human remains inside it. His son Jacob said the experience left the family shaken, calling it deeply traumatic.

The aircraft was travelling at approximately 139 mph at the time of impact, according to FlightAware data. Photos from the scene showed passengers evacuating via inflatable slides, wrapped in blankets and standing near a heavily damaged engine area.

Authorities confirmed that the victim was not an airport employee. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the person as a 'trespasser', stating on social media that the man had "deliberately scaled a perimeter fence" before entering the runway. "No one should EVER trespass on an airport," he said.

Denver International Airport said preliminary inspections did not show any breach or puncture in the perimeter fencing. The runway involved has been shut down pending investigation.

Twelve passengers reported minor injuries during the evacuation, with five taken to nearby hospitals. Most travellers were later transported back to the terminal and accommodated on a rescheduled flight.

Frontier Airlines said it was working with authorities to determine what happened. "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," a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the incident.

- Ends