Police open investigation after discovery on European flight
Authorities reported that a body was discovered inside the landing gear compartment of a commercial aircraft that arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Europe. The incident occurred Sunday morning when maintenance staff inspected the aircraft after landing.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police stated that the body was found around 9:00 a.m., and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The Airport Division, homicide detectives, and crime scene investigators responded, while the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy.
Identity and origin remain unknown
No information has yet been released regarding the identity of the individual or the European city from which the flight departed. The airline involved confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement to support the ongoing investigation.
Cases involving stowaways in aircraft wheel wells are rare and often end tragically. Extreme conditions during flights, such as freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and wind exposure, make survival highly unlikely, particularly on long routes.
Rare survival cases and previous incidents
Although uncommon, there have been reports of individuals attempting similar actions in other parts of the world. In isolated situations, stowaways have survived short journeys, but most incidents result in fatalities.
Authorities in Charlotte continue their investigation and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the Homicide Unit or provide anonymous tips through the local Crime Stoppers hotline.
