Charlotte, NC – Authorities at Charlotte Douglas International Airport confirmed today the discovery of a deceased individual in the wheel well of an American Airlines jet. Police stated the body was found shortly after the aircraft landed, prompting an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the death.
The grim discovery was made by ground crew personnel conducting routine post-flight inspections. Details regarding the flight’s origin have not been fully released, but the incident suggests the individual was a stowaway, a practice known for its extremely high fatality rate due to the perilous conditions of an aircraft’s undercarriage during flight.
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement officials, including local police and potentially federal agencies such as the FBI, have launched a full investigation. The primary objectives are to identify the deceased, determine the exact cause of death, and ascertain the flight’s trajectory and any potential security breaches. The medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy.
“We can confirm that a deceased individual was found in the landing gear well of an American Airlines aircraft upon its arrival at Charlotte Douglas International Airport,” a spokesperson for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department stated. “The investigation is in its early stages, and we are working diligently to gather all relevant information and identify the person.”
American Airlines acknowledged the incident and expressed its commitment to assisting authorities.
“American Airlines is deeply saddened by this discovery,” a representative for the airline said. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and other authorities as they investigate this tragic event. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident.”
Extreme Dangers of Stowaway Travel
Experts highlight the severe dangers faced by individuals attempting to travel as stowaways in aircraft wheel wells. Temperatures at cruising altitudes can drop to extreme lows, well below freezing, while oxygen levels become critically low, leading to hypoxia. Additionally, the mechanical nature of the landing gear itself poses a significant risk of crushing injuries during retraction and extension.
Such incidents, while rare, almost invariably result in death due to the unforgiving environment. Authorities continue to process the scene and collect evidence as the investigation unfolds.
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