The Carolina Panthers did not have a promising start to their 2024 preseason preparations. First, they lost 17-3 away to the New England Patriots. And then their plane skidded off the runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on the way home.
According to multiple reports later confirmed by the team, Delta Airlines Flight 8860 veered off the runway and into mud caused by torrential rains in Charlotte. Like much of the East Coast, the Queen City is still dealing with the effects of Tropical Storm Debby.
The Panthers’ plane landed at about 2:30 or 2:40 a.m. Friday, and about an hour later, emergency vehicles with tow ladders picked up the plane so passengers could disembark. Passengers were then transported by bus to the airport terminal.
The Delta Airlines flight carried 188 Panthers players, coaches and staff, none of whom were injured. In fact, according to The Joe Person of AthleticSince it was so early in the morning, many team members were sleeping and did not even notice that there was a problem with the plane.
Whether he was aware of the problem or not, Panthers veteran Xavier Woods poked fun at the whole situation, jokingly asking if Delta would give him and his teammates coupons.
So what exactly happened to the plane? According to a Delta spokesperson, it was only the right landing gear that came off the runway.
“The right main landing gear of Delta flight 8860 departed the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal landing. No injuries were reported among the 188 passengers who were bused to the terminal. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”
A Charlotte Airport spokesman also noted that the area of the taxiway that caused the problem had been repaired shortly after the Panthers left the plane.
“Rescue crews responded to a Delta aircraft that went off the road en route to Wilson Air Center.
“Airfield lighting and taxiway were fully operational,” the spokesman said in a statement. “Delta towed the aircraft out of the movement area shortly after 5:30 a.m. Crews repaired the area and the taxiway was reopened around 6:30 a.m.”
As with all aircraft problems and accidents, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement on the situation:
“Delta Air Lines Flight 8860 landed safely at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina at approximately 2:45 a.m. local time on Friday, August 9. While taxiing to the ramp, the Boeing 767’s right landing gear became stuck in the mud. Passengers were removed from the aircraft on the taxiway and bused to the ramp.
The FAA will investigate the case. Please contact the airline for further information.”
The Panthers also issued a statement through Ian Rapoport of the NFL:
“The team can confirm that their chartered team aircraft did indeed veer off the runway and into the mud after landing safely. The team can also confirm that no injuries were reported and one person was injured.”
