A stowaway was tragically found dead on Sunday morning in the landing gear of an American Airlines flight that had just arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Europe. This shocking incident was reported by local police, who confirmed that maintenance crews discovered the individual around 9 a.m. on Sunday.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene, and officers declared the stowaway deceased upon arrival. In a statement provided to ABC News, American Airlines expressed their condolences and confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement regarding the ongoing investigation into this unfortunate event.
In response to the incident, American Airlines stated, "We are deeply saddened by this news and will support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's (CMPD) investigation as needed." They reassured the public that airport operations would continue as usual, despite the tragic discovery.
Experts have pointed out that the act of stowing away on a commercial flight poses extreme risks and often results in fatal consequences. Aviation analyst John Nance highlighted the severe dangers associated with hiding in an aircraft's wheelwell. He explained that a human body exposed to frigid temperatures, potentially as low as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit, for several hours faces the risks of extensive frostbite and even loss of limbs. Furthermore, the lack of oxygen at cruising altitudes, which can exceed 35,000 feet, poses an additional threat that could lead to brain death.
Nance noted that while there have been rare cases of survival, such instances are nearly unheard of. He emphasized that the risks to both passengers and crew members make the act of stowing away exceedingly dangerous and should not be taken lightly.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the perils that individuals face when attempting to stow away on commercial flights. As investigations continue, it is crucial to raise awareness about the serious risks and consequences associated with such actions.
