Charlotte, NC, September 29, 2025

News Summary

A tragic incident occurred at Charlotte Douglas International Airport when a stowaway was found dead in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines plane. The body was discovered shortly after the flight’s arrival from Europe, prompting an investigation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. American Airlines is cooperating with authorities as they seek to determine the identity and circumstances of the individual. This marks at least the second instance in a year where stowaways have been found dead in U.S. airports, highlighting the perilous risks of stowing away in aircraft.

Charlotte

A stowaway was found dead in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines plane in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday morning. The flight had recently arrived from Europe and was being serviced when the body was discovered at approximately 9 a.m. local time. Maintenance crews were conducting routine checks when they made the grim discovery. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded promptly and pronounced the individual deceased at the scene.

The identity and origin of the deceased individual remain unknown, and an investigation is currently ongoing. American Airlines has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement during this inquiry. An airport spokesperson expressed sadness over the incident and mentioned their support for the ongoing investigation being conducted by CMPD. Homicide detectives from CMPD are on the scene, and evidence collection is ongoing as they seek to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

This incident marks at least the second time this year that stowaways have been found dead in landing gear compartments at U.S. airports. Earlier in January, two dead stowaways were discovered in the landing gear of a JetBlue flight at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. The Federal Aviation Administration reported in 2019 that more than 77% of stowaways attempting to travel in aircraft have died, highlighting the extreme risks associated with this dangerous practice.

In addition to this incident, there has been a recent similar case involving a 13-year-old boy from Afghanistan who was found wandering a tarmac in India after stowing away in a plane’s landing gear. Such occurrences underscore the perils faced by those who attempt to conceal themselves in aircraft compartments.

Despite the incident, operations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport continue as normal. The CMPD has an active investigation underway and encourages anyone with information related to the case to contact them directly.

Investigating the Risks of Stowing Away

The risks of stowing away on aircraft are extremely high. Fatalities have been reported at an alarming rate, emphasizing the dangers associated with attempting to travel in landing gear compartments. Various documented cases over recent years have raised awareness about this perilous method of illegal transit.

Key Statistics

• In 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that over 77% of stowaways attempting to travel in aircraft have died.
• There have been at least two cases this year involving deceased stowaways found in landing gear compartments at U.S. airports.
• A recent case involved a 13-year-old boy from Afghanistan found on a tarmac in India.

Ongoing Investigations

As the investigations unfold, law enforcement will continue to examine evidence and gather information that may shed light on the identity and circumstances surrounding the deceased stowaway. Furthermore, American Airlines and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport are committed to supporting these efforts in ensuring safety and accountability in the aviation sector.

Conclusion

The tragic incident of a deceased stowaway found in an American Airlines aircraft raises serious concerns about the dangers of stowing away. While operations at the airport continue, the investigations will aim to address the circumstances surrounding this devastating discovery.

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Additional Resources

• ABC News: Stowaway Found Dead Inside Landing Gear
• Wikipedia: Stowaway
• New York Times: American Airlines Stowaway Dead
• Google Search: American Airlines stowaway incident
• CNN: Stowaway Death American Airlines
• Google Scholar: Stowaway Aircraft Fatalities
• WBTV: Dead Body Found in Landing Gear Compartment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Stowaway
• Fox Business: Stowaway Found Dead in American Airlines Plane
• Google News: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.