Police are investigating the death of a stowaway after a body was discovered in the landing gear compartment of an aircraft at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit announced in a statement that they are conducting the investigation at the 5000 block of Hangar Road in the airport division.
The case follows the discovery of a stowaway on September 28, 2025, shortly after 09:00 local time, during maintenance on an American Airlines aircraft that had just arrived at Charlotte Douglas International Airport from Europe.
The person, whose identity and background remains undisclosed, was declared dead at the scene by officers from the airport division.
“Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence,” the police said. “Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command and MEDIC also assisted.”
Charlotte Douglas International Airport released a statement acknowledging the “tragic discovery”.
“We are deeply saddened by this news and will support Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s investigation as needed,” the airport said.
According to airport officials, the accident did not disrupt flight operations and, as of September 29, 2025, the airport is operating as usual.
The police said that the investigation is still ongoing, adding that any new information will be shared by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office as it becomes available.
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