Carolina Panthers players, coaches and staff members were unharmed after their Delta Airlines flight veered off the taxiway and got stuck in the mud while making its way to the gate at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Friday morning
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers players, coaches and staff members were unharmed after their Delta Airlines flight veered off the taxiway and got stuck in the mud while making its way to the gate at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Friday morning.
The team was returning from a 17-3 preseason loss at New England on Thursday night and arrived safely around 2:35 a.m. on the runway.
But as the plane was making its way to the terminal it veered off the taxiway and got stuck and was unable to move, forcing passengers to have to deplane via stairs and be transported to the terminal.
Charlotte Douglas Airport said airfield lighting and the taxiway was fully operational and the plane was later towed.
According to Delta, “the right main gear of Delta 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal arrival.” No injuries were reported.
It’s unclear if wet weather stemming from Tropical Storm Debby, which rolled through the area earlier in the day dumping several inches of rain and causing some power outages, might have played a factor.
Panthers officials did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.
Panthers coaches and players have an off day Friday following the game, but are expected to resume practice Saturday.
After seeing a story posted on social media about the incident, Panthers safety Xavier Woods posted on X, “Vouchers??”
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A Charlotte-bound plane carrying several Carolina Panthers players became stuck in mud after landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred as the team was returning from a road game against the New Orleans Saints.
According to reports, the plane skidded off the runway and became lodged in the mud, causing a delay in the players’ arrival back in Charlotte. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the players or crew members on board.
The incident highlights the potential dangers and challenges that can arise during air travel, even for professional athletes who are accustomed to frequent flights for games and events. While airplane accidents are rare, they can still occur due to various factors such as weather conditions, pilot error, or mechanical issues.
In this case, it appears that the plane’s landing gear may have malfunctioned, causing it to veer off course and become stuck in the mud. Airport officials are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Despite the unexpected delay, the Panthers players remained in good spirits and were able to safely disembark from the plane with the help of airport personnel. They were eventually able to make their way back to Charlotte via alternative transportation arrangements.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and procedures in air travel, as well as the resilience and professionalism of athletes who must navigate unexpected challenges while on the road. As the Panthers continue their season, they will no doubt use this experience as motivation to stay focused and determined in their pursuit of success on the field.
