Stowaway Found Dead in American Airlines Landing Gear at Charlotte Airport
Authorities are investigating a tragic discovery at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after a body was found inside the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines flight on September 28.
The aircraft had just arrived from Europe when a maintenance crew uncovered the deceased individual during routine post-flight work. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police confirmed that officers from the airport division pronounced the person dead at the scene. The Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Search team were dispatched to gather evidence, while airport operations and emergency personnel provided assistance.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and the identity of the deceased has not yet been released. American Airlines confirmed it is working closely with authorities, while airport officials expressed condolences, describing the discovery as deeply saddening. They added that airport operations remain unaffected.
The Extreme Risks of Stowing Away
Climbing into a plane’s landing gear is considered one of the most dangerous ways to attempt travel. Experts explain that these compartments are not pressurized, leaving anyone inside exposed to dangerously thin air and freezing temperatures that can plummet to minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit at cruising altitude.
In addition to the cold and lack of oxygen, stowaways face the risk of being crushed by the landing gear mechanisms during takeoff and landing. For these reasons, the majority of stowaway attempts end in fatalities. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration estimates that over three-quarters of cases result in death.
Not an Isolated Incident
While rare, such discoveries have occurred before at airports around the world, highlighting both the desperation of those attempting such journeys and the near impossibility of surviving them. Each case raises questions about airport security, the circumstances that drive individuals to take such extreme risks, and the tragic consequences that often follow.
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, officials have not disclosed how or when the individual may have entered the aircraft, nor have they provided details on the flight’s precise route. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and that more information will be released as it becomes available.
Airport representatives reiterated their commitment to assisting investigators and ensuring that safety procedures remain in place. For now, the grim discovery underscores both the vulnerabilities and dangers associated with air travel in extreme circumstances.