Sources: Carolina Panthers were on plane that ran off taxiway at Charlotte airport
Players, coaches on the plane at CLT on Friday
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Sources confirmed that Carolina Panthers players and coaches were on the Delta airplane that ran off the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport early Friday morning.
The plane landed on the runway closest to the Billy Graham Parkway, near the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, around 2:45 a.m. After it landed, a plethora of emergency vehicles met the plane, and around 3:45 a.m., stairs were towed to the taxiway. Passengers got off shortly after.
Delta said landing gear on the right side of the airplane exited the taxiway after a normal landing. No injuries were reported.
The airline said 188 customers were onboard and were bused to the terminal once they got off the plane. All passengers were taken off the plane before crews got the plane back on the taxiway and moved it away.
The Panthers were returning from New England after losing to the Patriots, 17-3, on Thursday night in their preseason opener.
Delta confirmed that the flight number was 8860. FlightAware records show the flight was coming from Providence, R.I., and that the plane is a Boeing 767-300.
FlightAware data showed that as of 7 a.m., 30 flights had been delayed and six others canceled at Charlotte Douglas. It is unclear if the Delta landing contributed to any delays, as Post Tropical Cyclone Debby makes its way out of the Carolinas Friday morning.
Airport officials said airfield lighting and the taxiway was fully operational when the incident happened.
The Federal Aviation Administration later released the following statement:
“Delta Air Lines Flight 8860 landed safely at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina around 2:45 a.m. local time on Friday, August 9. During its taxi to the ramp, the right gear of the Boeing 767 got stuck in the mud. Passengers were deplaned on the taxiway and bussed to the ramp. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline for additional information.”
Related: Hundred of delays reported at Charlotte airport as Debby moves through
Watch continuous news coverage here:
Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.
