A Delta Air Lines charter plane carrying the Carolina Panthers‘ players, coaches, and staff veered off the taxiway in Charlotte, N.C., after returning from a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Friday, officials confirmed.
No injuries were reported from the incident, which took place at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
“Emergency crews responded to a Delta aircraft that left the pavement while taxiing to Wilson Air Center,” stated the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “Airfield lighting and the taxiway were fully operational.
“Delta towed the aircraft off the movement area shortly after 5:30 a.m. EDT. Crews repaired the area, and the taxiway reopened around 6:30 a.m. The airport remains operational.”
Delta issued a statement explaining that the flight, which departed from Providence, R.I., landed just before 3 a.m., but strayed off the taxiway into nearby mud en route to a gate. Passengers were deplaned and transported by bus to the terminal before the plane was moved back onto the taxi surface.
“The right main gear of Delta 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a routine arrival,” Delta said. “No injuries were reported among the 188 customers who were deplaned and bused to the terminal. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”
The incident occurred hours after a record rainfall in Charlotte on Thursday night. The National Weather Service recorded 4.09 inches of rain at the airport, surpassing the previous record of 1.37 inches set in 1928, according to the Charlotte Observer.
“The team can confirm that their chartered plane, after landing safely, did veer off the taxiway into mud,” the Panthers said Friday. “The team can also confirm that no injuries were reported, and no one was hurt.”
The Patriots defeated the Panthers 17-3 in their preseason opener Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The Panthers are scheduled to host the New York Jets in their second preseason game at 7 p.m. Saturday in Charlotte.
