Carolina Panthers' Team Plane Slides Off Runway at Charlotte Airport

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A Delta Airlines plane carrying players, coaches, and staff from the Carolina Panthers experienced a tense moment early Friday morning when it slid off the runway upon landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m., just hours after the team’s preseason loss to the New England Patriots.

The Delta Flight 8860 chartered by the Panthers had departed from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport near Providence around midnight. After a smooth flight, the plane encountered issues after touchdown, with the right main landing gear leaving the taxiway and moving into a muddy area adjacent to the runway.

Emergency crews were already on standby at the airport and responded immediately as the plane came to a stop. The Panthers organization released a statement confirming the incident but assured the public that there were no injuries.

“The team can confirm that their chartered team plane, after landing safely, did run off the taxiway and into mud. The team can also confirm that no injuries were reported and no one was hurt,” read the statement from the Panthers.

Delta Airlines also addressed the incident, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. “The right main gear of Delta 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal arrival," the airline stated. "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."

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, all 188 passengers were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal without further issues. The swift action of emergency personnel and the professionalism of the flight crew ensured that the situation was handled with care and efficiency.

The Panthers had been returning from their first preseason game, where they were defeated by the New England Patriots 17-3. Although the game’s outcome wasn’t what the team had hoped for, the safe resolution of this morning’s incident is a reminder of what’s truly important—everyone’s well-being.

As the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season, fans and players alike are undoubtedly relieved that all involved are safe and sound. The focus now returns to football, as the Panthers look to bounce back from their preseason loss in the weeks ahead.