The Carolina Panthers did not have an auspicious start to the 2024 preseason. First, they lost 17-3 to the New England Patriots on the road.  And then, on their return home, their plane slid off the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

According to multiple reports and later confirmed by the team, Delta Airlines flight 8860 ran off the taxiway and went into mud caused by torrential rains in Charlotte. Like most of the East Coast, the Queen City is still dealing with the effects of Tropical Storm Debby.

The Panthers’ plane landed around 2:30 or 2:40 AM on Friday, and an hour or so later, emergency vehicles towing stairs met the plane so the passengers could deboard. The passengers were then transported to the airport terminal via bus. 

The Delta Airlines flight carried 188 Panthers players, coaches, and staff, none of which were injured. In fact, according to The Athletic’s Joe Person, since it was so early in the morning, many team members were sleeping and didn’t even realize that there was an issue with the plane.

Whether he realized there was an issue or not, Panthers veteran safety Xavier Woods did take to X to poke fun at the whole situation by jokingly asking if Delta would provide him and his teammates with vouchers. 

So, what exactly happened with the plane? According to a Delta spokesperson, it was just the right gear that went off the taxiway.

“The right main gear of Delta flight 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal arrival. No injuries were reported by the 188 customers who were bused to the terminal. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”

A Charlotte airport spokesperson also noted that the area of the taxiway that caused the issue was repaired shortly after the Panthers left the plane.

“Emergency crews responded to a Delta aircraft that left the pavement while taxiing to Wilson Air Center. 

Airfield lighting and the taxiway were fully operational,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Delta towed the aircraft off the movement area shortly after 5:30 a.m. Crews repaired the area, and the taxiway reopened at approximately 6:30 a.m.”

Like with all airplane issues and accidents, the Federal Aviation Administration did release a statement about the situation: 

“Delta Air Lines Flight 8860 landed safely at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina around 2:45 a.m. local time on Friday, August 9. During its taxi to the ramp, the right gear of the Boeing 767 got stuck in the mud. Passengers were deplaned on the taxiway and bussed to the ramp. 

The FAA will investigate. Please get in touch with the airline for additional information.”

The Panthers also issued a statement, via the NFL’s Ian Rapoport: 

“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 one was hurt.”