Panthers Plane Skids Off Taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
In a surprising turn of events, the Carolina Panthers’ journey back to North Carolina after their preseason game against the New England Patriots took an unexpected detour. On Friday morning, the plane carrying Panthers players and staff slid off the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The incident, confirmed by a league source to ABC Affiliate WSOC, occurred shortly after the team’s arrival. Delta Airlines, the carrier of the flight, stated that there were 188 passengers on board at the time of the incident. The right main gear of the plane veered off the taxiway, causing the unexpected slide.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of the incident. Passengers, including the Panthers players and staff, were safely transported to the terminal by bus. While Delta Airlines did not explicitly mention the Panthers’ involvement in the incident, it can be inferred that they were among the 188 people on board.
The Panthers had just concluded their preseason game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Although they faced a disappointing loss with a score of 17-3, the team’s focus quickly shifted from the game to the unforeseen incident at the airport.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges that professional sports teams face when traveling for games. While accidents like these are relatively rare, they highlight the importance of safety measures and protocols in place to ensure the well-being of players, staff, and other passengers.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents involving sports teams and their transportation. For example, in 2015, the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder had a frightening experience when their team plane encountered severe turbulence. The incident left players and staff shaken but fortunately resulted in no serious injuries.
These incidents emphasize the need for constant vigilance and preparedness when it comes to team travel. Sports organizations must work closely with airlines and other transportation providers to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard the well-being of their athletes and staff.
In conclusion, the Carolina Panthers’ plane skidding off the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all passengers, including the Panthers players and staff, were safely transported to the terminal. This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety measures in professional sports team travel and serves as a valuable lesson for organizations across the sports industry.
