The body of a stowaway was found in the landing gear compartment of an Air Arabia flight that arrived at Gatwick Airport from Tangier, Morocco. The discovery was made around 11:45 AM on June 16, shortly after the Airbus A320 touched down. The unidentified man had reportedly climbed into the gear well before the plane’s departure. The cargo team unloading the aircraft made the grim discovery, leading to an immediate investigation by Sussex Police, which is preparing a report for HM Coroner. Climbing into a plane’s wheel well is extremely dangerous, with a high fatality rate for those attempting it, as harsh conditions at high altitudes can lead to serious injury or death.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the extreme risks faced by individuals attempting to stow away on aircraft. Historically, stowaway attempts have been associated with significant dangers, including exposure to freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and the risk of being crushed by landing gear. Data from the US Federal Aviation Administration indicates that over 77% of stowaways who enter wheel wells do not survive the journey. Additionally, the practice is illegal and poses serious challenges for authorities in identifying victims, underscoring the desperate circumstances that lead individuals to such perilous actions.
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