Accident Overview
On December 20, 2008, at about 1818 mountain standard time, Continental Airlines flight 1404, a Boeing 737-500 registered as N18611, departed the left side of runway 34R during takeoff from Denver International Airport (DEN) in Denver, Colorado. A postcrash fire ensued following the excursion.
Injuries and Damage
The captain and five of the 110 passengers sustained serious injuries. The first officer, two cabin crewmembers, and 38 passengers received minor injuries. One cabin crewmember and 67 passengers (including three lap-held children) were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Flight Details
The scheduled domestic passenger flight operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121. It was bound for George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. At the time, the flight was operating on an instrument flight rules flight plan.
Weather and Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the airport. Strong and gusty winds were reported from the west.