A stowaway passenger hid in the landing gear of an American Airlines flight for more than two hours as it traveled from Guatemala to Miami Saturday morning.
The 26-year-old man was apprehended at Miami International Airport when he tried to hide in the landing gear compartment of the flight, Customs and Border Protection said. He was taken to a local hospital.
“Persons are taking extreme risks when they try to conceal themselves in confined spaces such as an aircraft,” CBP said. “This incident remains under investigation.”
The man had been tucked away in the landing gear of American Airlines flight 1182 for the about 2 hour and 50 minute trip from Guatemala City to Miami, Miami-Dade Aviation Department Communications Director Greg Chin said.
In a statement American Airlines said, “American Airlines flight 1182 with service from Guatemala (GUA) to Miami (MIA), arriving at 10:06 a.m. local time was met by law enforcement due to a security issue. We are working with law enforcement in their investigation.”
Miami-Dade Police Department said it assisted CBP on its investigation.
The airport and other flights were not affected by the stowaway’s discovery, Chin said.
In a video obtained by Only in Dade, the alleged stowaway is seen sitting near the plane’s landing gear as airport staff try to help him and offer water.
___
© 2021 Miami Herald Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
