Body of Suspected Stowaway Found in Landing Gear of American Airlines Plane in North Carolina
Maintenance workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina discovered the body of a suspected stowaway in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines aircraft that had recently arrived from Europe. The discovery occurred on Sunday morning while the aircraft was undergoing inspection, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, which has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
No Official Data on the Victim
Thus far, neither the airline nor the authorities have provided information regarding the identity of the deceased, the flight’s possible origin, or the cause of death. American Airlines confirmed it is cooperating with authorities and referred any additional inquiries to the police. For its part, the airport administration expressed regret over the incident and assured it would fully support the investigation.
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Mortal Risks for Stowaways
Experts warn that approximately three out of every four people who attempt to travel hidden in landing gear do not survive. The low temperatures and lack of oxygen as the aircraft reaches cruising altitude pose an almost insurmountable risk for those hiding in that area of the plane.
Recent Precedents in the United States
This is not an isolated case. In January, two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The discovery was made during a routine inspection following a flight originating from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. That same day, the aircraft had made stops in Kingston, Jamaica, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
One month earlier, in December, another body was located in the landing gear of a United Airlines aircraft operating a route between Chicago and Maui.
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