A Frontier Airlines passenger jet preparing to depart from Denver International Airport late on Friday for Los Angeles stopped its takeoff after pilots reported smoke in the cabin and an engine fire occurred, airport officials and the carrier said.
Denver International Airport said firefighting crews promptly extinguished a brief engine fire. Frontier reported that the aircraft, an Airbus A321, had smoke in the cabin which prompted the pilots to abort the takeoff.
The airline said the flight was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. All on board evacuated the plane safely, the company said. At least one passenger sustained a minor injury, according to a report cited by the carrier.
In addition to the onboard incident, there were reports that the aircraft struck a pedestrian on the runway. Neither Frontier nor the airport supplied details about that individual. Frontier said it is investigating the matter and is coordinating with the airport and other relevant safety authorities to gather more information.
The carrier is continuing its review of the sequence of events and collecting information from officials involved. Beyond the confirmation that the engine fire was extinguished and that occupants on the aircraft evacuated, the airline and airport provided no further specifics about the pedestrian reportedly involved or the condition of that person.
Operational context
- Aircraft type: Airbus A321.
- Occupants on board: 224 passengers and seven crew members, all evacuated safely.
- Injuries: at least one passenger with a minor injury.
- Response: airport fire department extinguished a brief engine fire.
- Investigation: Frontier and airport authorities are gathering information and coordinating with safety agencies.
Officials have not released additional details about the reportedly struck pedestrian or about the cause of the smoke and engine fire. The carrier and airport said they will continue to investigate and update authorities as more information becomes available.