The body of a suspected stowaway was found in the landing gear of an American Airlines aircraft shortly after landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The flight had arrived from Europe.
The body was found when maintenance crews were checking the jet, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
It was pronounced dead at the scene and a death investigation is underway. “We are working with law enforcement on its investigation,” American Airlines said.
The individual hasn’t been named yet.
“CLT Airport is aware of the tragic discovery involving a deceased individual found in the landing gear of an American Airlines aircraft this morning,” an airport spokesperson said.
Flight operations at the airport were running as normal.
While stowaways have survived even long haul flights hiding in landing gear, more than three-quarters of attempts end in death according to FAA data.
