Stowaway Found Dead in Landing Gear of European Flight at Charlotte Airport

Stowaway Found Dead in Landing Gear of American Airlines Plane at Charlotte Airport

Authorities are investigating after a body was discovered in the landing gear of an American Airlines plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Maintenance crews found the deceased individual while performing routine checks on the aircraft, which had recently arrived from Europe.

Discovery and Investigation

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to a call on Hangar Road around 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning. They found the body of a man in the wheel well of the plane. Homicide detectives and the Crime Scene Search unit were dispatched to process the scene and gather evidence. As of now, the identity of the deceased has not been released. American Airlines has stated they are cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.

Stowaway Risks and History

Data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicates that attempting to stow away on airplanes is extremely dangerous. A vast majority, around 76%, of stowaway attempts end in death. Factors contributing to this high mortality rate include extreme cold, lack of oxygen at high altitudes, and the risk of being crushed by the landing gear mechanism. A past incident in 2010 involved a 16-year-old from Charlotte who died after stowing away on a plane to Boston.

Expert Commentary and Airport Response

Aviation analyst John Nance explained the extreme dangers involved in stowing away on commercial jets, citing temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit and the lack of oxygen at high altitudes, which can lead to frostbite, loss of limbs, and brain death. Charlotte Douglas International Airport released a statement expressing their sadness and support for the police investigation, emphasizing that airport operations are continuing as normal.