CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – An American Airlines tug hit and killed an employee on the tarmac at Charlotte airport on Monday, according to police reports.
The deadly incident happened around 9:40 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27 along the airport’s on-ramp at Gate B12.
Police said at 9:38 a.m. that they were dispatched to the airport for a call stating a worker was struck by an AA Tug PS234 on the tarmac. A tug is a wheeled vehicle that tows a plane to and from hangars and runways.
Paramedics pronounced the employee, a 66-year-old man whose identity has not been released, dead at the scene.
Emergency and medical crews responded to the incident, airport officials confirmed.
Around noon, officials said there were “no significant impacts to operations.”
As of 5:20 p.m. on Monday, FlightAware reported more than 150 delays at the Charlotte airport. It was unclear whether the delays were directly related to the deadly incident.
Employee worked for American Airlines
The worker killed on Monday was employed by American Airlines, the airline confirmed Monday evening.
At around 5:45 p.m., the airline released a statement confirming the employee’s death, and offering condolences.
“We are devastated by the accident involving a team member at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT),” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time. ”
Witnesses told very little
Witnesses told WBTV they saw the commotion, but did not know what was happening.
“We didn’t have any idea what was going on, while we were still on the plane,” said traveler Kirk Lundell.
Lundell said that the captain of his plane was being vague about what was happening at the airport.
“The captain was being very intentionally nondescript about what was holding us up,” Lundell said. “He just kept saying, ‘Apparently, there’s something keeping us from getting to our gate right now.‘”
Some passengers told WBTV that it took them nearly an hour to get to their gates due to the crash.
Flight crews reportedly asked passengers to lower their window shades. Still, no one on the aircraft told the passengers what was happening, travelers told WBTV.
What officials said Monday
At around 1 p.m. Monday, officials with the airport confirmed the deadly single-vehicle crash. Officials offered condolences.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the employee’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” the statement read, in part. “The Airport is working closely with airline and first responder partners in the ongoing investigation and is providing support as needed. Airport chaplains are available on site.”
The North Carolina Department of Labor responded to a request for comment around 1:40 p.m. on Monday.
“We are aware of a fatality that occurred at the airport this morning and that a compliance officer will open an inspection. That is all the information we can share,” the statement read in full.
It was unknown if any charges were expected in this case and police said their investigation was ongoing.
–> Previous: American Airlines worker hit, killed by vehicle on tarmac at Charlotte airport: Everything we know
Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.