Carolina Panthers players, coaches and staff members were unharmed after their Delta Airlines flight left the taxiway and became stuck in the mud while heading to the gate at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Friday morning.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Carolina Panthers players, coaches and staff members were unharmed after their Delta Airlines flight left the taxiway and became stuck in the mud while heading to the gate at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on 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. at the track.
But when the plane was heading to the terminal, it left the taxiway, got stuck and was unable to move, forcing passengers to disembark via stairs and be transported to the terminal.
Charlotte Douglas Airport said the airfield lighting and taxiway were fully operational and the plane was later towed.
According to Delta, “Delta 8860’s right main train exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after a normal arrival.”
It’s unclear whether wet weather from Tropical Storm Debby, which hit the area earlier in the day, dumping several inches of rain and causing some power outages, may have played a role.
Panther officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Panthers coaches and players will have a day off on Friday after the game, but are expected to resume practice on Saturday.
After seeing a story posted on social media about the incident, Panthers security guard Xavier Woods posted on X, “Vouchers??”
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