A fatal incident occurred on 8/5 at Denver International Airport when a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 struck a pedestrian on the runway. The Denver County Aviation Authority released video of the rare moment on 10/5.
Thermal camera footage shows the individual slowly crossing the runway as the Airbus A321 accelerated for takeoff. The pedestrian appeared to collide with the aircraft's left engine, resulting in immediate fatality and the engine catching fire.
Moment an Airbus aircraft struck a pedestrian on the runway in Denver, US, on 8/5. Video: X/FL360aero
Smoke subsequently filled the passenger cabin, forcing the pilot to abort the flight and initiate an evacuation. The aircraft carried 224 passengers and 7 crew members.
Phil Washington, head of Denver International Airport, stated that the victim had climbed over a security fence and illegally entered the restricted area; the individual was not an airport employee.
Denver International Airport officials confirmed the accident occurred as the aircraft accelerated on the runway for takeoff, bound for Los Angeles International Airport. The pilot likely could not see the pedestrian crossing the runway in the darkness.
Passenger Nikil Thalanki recounted the moments leading up to the incident, stating he felt the aircraft begin its takeoff lift when the collision occurred. "The aircraft immediately touched back down on the runway, and then the engine caught fire. Smoke engulfed the cabin. It was very difficult to breathe", Thalanki said.
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A Frontier Airlines aircraft at Denver International Airport, US, on 9/5. Photo: AP
Those onboard were evacuated using inflatable slides. A total of 12 people reported minor injuries, with 5 transported to a hospital.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident.
By Duc Trung (Based on reports from NBC News, AP, Reuters)
