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

Authorities say stowaway found dead in Charlotte in the landing gear of a plane that had just arrived from Europe at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit have launched a death investigation after a body was discovered inside the landing gear of an American Airlines plane early Sunday morning.

Around 9:03 a.m., airport maintenance personnel were servicing an American Airlines aircraft that had recently arrived from Europe when they found a dead body.

Tucked inside the landing gear compartment, a deceased stowaway was found by airline staff at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, located in the 5000 block of Hangar Road.

Stowaway Found Dead In Charlotte At Airport

CMPD’s Airport Division officers responded and pronounced the individual deceased at the scene.

Due to the nature of the discovery, homicide detectives were called in to handle the investigation. The Crime Scene Search unit also responded to gather physical evidence, while CMPD Operations Command and MEDIC assisted at the scene.

At this time, the identity of the stowaway and their country of origin has not been publicly released.

It’s unclear when or how the individual entered the landing gear compartment, or whether the incident occurred before or during the flight.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials say they are working with federal agencies and international authorities to determine the victim’s identity and the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

American Airlines has not yet issued a public statement.