Carolina Panthers players were reportedly on board a Delta flight that slid off the runway at an airport in Charlotte early Friday morning.
Delta Flight 8860 landed without incident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, but ran off the taxiway and got stuck in the mud while making its way to the gate.
The incident happened around 2:35 a.m. The right main gear of the plane exited the taxiway, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 188 passengers.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene to help passengers deplane and transport them back to the terminal.
Delta Flight Carrying Carolina Panthers Players And Personnel Runs Off Taxiway At Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Friday Morning.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) August 9, 2024
Delta said landing gear on the right side of the airplane exited the taxiway after a normal landing. No injuries were reported.
The… pic.twitter.com/E8B69CyIQU
RELATED: How to Watch NFL Network in 2024
Carolina Panthers Flight Goes Off Runway
Witnesses on the scene told WCNC Charlotte that the Delta flight was carrying players and staff with the Carolina Panthers.
The airline issued a statement apologizing for the incident.
“The right main gear of Delta 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal arrival,” the statement reads. “No injuries were reported by the 188 customers who are deplaning and being bused to the terminal.”
“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”
RELATED: Chiefs’ Harrison Butker Inks New Deal, Becomes Highest-Paid Kicker in NFL History
Delta Apologizes For The Inconvenience
The ordeal on the Delta flight came hours after the Carolina Panthers played the New England Patriots in a preseason matchup.
It was the Panthers’ first game under new head coach Dave Canales. Carolina lost 17-3, and things didn’t get much better on the flight home.
In January, a Delta flight in Atlanta ran into trouble when a wheel fell off as pilots were preparing for takeoff. The aircraft was “re-tired and placed back into service the next day.”
A new report shows Delta has placed an emphasis on equity in recent years. They even dropped the phrase “ladies and gentlemen” from their gate announcements.
The ladies and gentlemen on these Delta flights surely can appreciate their focus.
More about:NFL