Charlotte Douglas International Airport, October 12, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident occurred at Charlotte Douglas International Airport when a stowaway was found dead in the landing gear of an American Airlines plane. The deceased, identified as 25-year-old Jose Joaquin De Leon Santiz, was discovered by maintenance crews shortly after the arrival of the aircraft from Europe. The FBI is leading an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, which raises significant concerns about airport security protocols, as the survival rate for stowaways remains critically low.
Charlotte
A stowaway was found dead in the landing gear of an American Airlines aircraft at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on September 28, 2025. The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Jose Joaquin De Leon Santiz. His body was discovered by maintenance crews shortly after 9 a.m. while they were servicing the aircraft. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) pronounced Santiz dead at the scene.
The aircraft had recently arrived from Europe, specifically from flights between Charlotte, Madrid, and Frankfurt. The CMPD confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the lead agency in the ongoing investigation into the incident. The Guatemalan consulate has contacted Santiz’s family to notify them of his death. American Airlines has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation.
The exact location where Santiz boarded the plane has not been disclosed by authorities. In a statement, Charlotte Douglas Airport expressed sadness over the incident and confirmed that they would support CMPD’s investigation as needed. The case remains active, and police are encouraging anyone with information to call the CMPD tip line or contact Crime Stoppers.
Nationwide, more than 77% of individuals who attempt to stow away on aircraft typically do not survive, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This incident reflects ongoing security concerns related to stowaways, with recent cases reported globally, highlighting lapses in aviation security.
Key Details
- Date of Incident: September 28, 2025
- Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Deceased: Jose Joaquin De Leon Santiz, 25 years old
- Discovery Time: Shortly after 9 a.m.
- Aircraft Origin: Flights from Madrid and Frankfurt
- Investigation: Lead by the FBI
- Survival Rate: Over 77% of stowaways typically do not survive
Background Context
The tragic incident involving Santiz brings to light the dangerous risks associated with stowing away on aircraft. In recent years, there have been several reported cases globally that underline significant gaps in aviation security. Authorities continue to stress the importance of rigorous safety protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
FAQ Section
What happened at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on September 28, 2025?
A stowaway was found dead in the landing gear of an American Airlines aircraft.
Who was the deceased stowaway?
The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Jose Joaquin De Leon Santiz.
When was the body discovered?
His body was discovered shortly after 9 a.m. by maintenance crews servicing the aircraft.
Which agency is leading the investigation into this incident?
The FBI is the lead agency in the ongoing investigation into the incident.
What percentage of stowaways typically do not survive?
More than 77% of individuals who attempt to stow away on aircraft typically do not survive, according to the FAA.
Have there been other recent cases of stowaways reported globally?
Yes, there have been recent cases reported globally, highlighting lapses in aviation security.
Chart: Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 28, 2025 |
| Deceased’s Name | Jose Joaquin De Leon Santiz |
| Discovery Time | Shortly after 9 a.m. |
| Origin of Flight | Charlotte to Madrid and Frankfurt |
| Lead Agency in Investigation | FBI |
| Survival Rate for Stowaways | More than 77% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Stowaway Discovery at Charlotte Airport
Congressional Hearing in Charlotte Addresses Crime and Safety
Tragic Discovery at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
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Stowaway Found Dead in American Airlines Plane in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Charlotte Plane Stowaway Identified
- Wikipedia: Stowaway
- WSOC TV: Stowaway Identified After Body Found
- Google Search: Charlotte Douglas International Airport Stowaway
- New York Times: American Airlines Stowaway Dead
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Commercial Airline
- Fox Business: Stowaway Found Dead in Landing Gear
- Google News: American Airlines Stowaway Incident
- CBS News: Charlotte Douglas International Airport Stowaways Dead
- Google Scholar: Aviation Security Stowaway
Author: HERE Charlotte
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