De*d Body Found In Landing Gear Of Commercial Aircraft

Maintenance crews discovered a deceased individual in the landing gear of an American Airlines aircraft.

The plane arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a flight from Europe.

The stowaway was found shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday while maintenance staff serviced the plane.

“The person was pronounced dead on the scene by the police department’s airport division officers,” Breaking Aviation News & Videos wrote.

“CMPD’s Homicide Unit Detectives and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to investigate and collect physical evidence, along with assistance from Operations Command and MEDIC,” it added.

Authorities are conducting a death investigation at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after the body of a stowaway was found inside the landing gear of an American Airlines flight on Sunday.

The individual was discovered inside one of the main landing gear compartments by… pic.twitter.com/0zFVSdeFV9

— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) September 29, 2025

ABC News has more:

In a statement to ABC News, American Airlines said, “We are working with law enforcement on its investigation.”

Charlotte Airport authorities said they were aware of the incident. “We are deeply saddened by this news and will support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) investigation as needed. Airport operations continue as normal,” the airport added.

Unlike hopping on a train, stowing away on a commercial plane almost always ends in death due to the extreme dangers and conditions a person is exposed to inside the wheelwell, according to aviation analyst John Nance.

“CLT Airport is aware of the tragic discovery involving a deceased individual found in an American Airlines aircraft this morning,” a Charlotte Douglas Airport spokesperson said, according to Fox Business.

“We are deeply saddened by this news and will support Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) investigation as needed,” the spokesperson added.

A stowaway was found dead Sunday in the landing gear of an American Airlines flight that arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Europe, according to police.

Read more: https://t.co/djCTxodGgs pic.twitter.com/d3F1836ccm

— ABC News (@ABC) September 29, 2025

Fox Business noted:

The airline added: “A deceased individual was discovered inside one of the main landing gear compartments of one of our aircraft. Please direct any further questions to local law enforcement.”

CMPD said that the case remains active and ongoing, with additional details to be provided as they become available.