Stowaway Found Dead in American Airlines Flight's Landing Gear in Charlotte
A stowaway was discovered dead inside the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines flight that had recently arrived at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Sunday morning, September 28, 2025. The body was found by maintenance staff while servicing the aircraft, and local police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the individual's death.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), officers from the Airport Division pronounced the individual dead at the scene. Homicide detectives and crime scene teams responded to the incident, which highlights the rare but possible risks associated with stowaways hiding in planes' wheel wells. The extreme temperatures and lack of oxygen inside these compartments can be fatal, as noted by experts.
The American Airlines flight had departed from Europe earlier that day and landed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Maintenance staff discovered the body shortly after 9:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. The airline is cooperating fully with the investigation, according to a spokesperson.
"This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with attempting to sneak onto a plane undetected," said a CMPD spokesperson. "We urge anyone considering such actions to think twice and seek help instead."
The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death, which is expected to take several days.
According to experts, survival rates for stowaways are extremely low due to the harsh conditions inside the landing gear compartment. "It's a miracle that anyone can survive in those conditions," said Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert on aviation safety. "The temperatures and lack of oxygen make it nearly impossible for humans to survive."
American Airlines has issued a statement expressing its condolences for the individual's death and assuring passengers that their safety is the airline's top priority.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The CMPD Airport Division is leading the investigation, which is expected to take several days to complete.
In related news, American Airlines has announced plans to review its security protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Background
Stowaways attempting to sneak onto planes undetected have been a rare but persistent problem for airlines worldwide. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there were 12 reported cases of stowaways on commercial flights globally in 2020, resulting in three fatalities.
Next Steps
The investigation into the death of the stowaway is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death, and American Airlines has announced plans to review its security protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Attribution
This article relies on reporting from multiple sources, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), American Airlines, and expert opinions. Specific details and quotes are attributed accordingly.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR News, BREAKING: NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.
