Person found dead in landing gear of AA plane at Charlotte airport

A person was found dead inside the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines aircraft at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Sunday morning, authorities said. Maintenance crews discovered the body shortly after 9 a.m. while servicing the plane, which had recently arrived from Europe, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said.

Officers from CMPD's Airport Division responded and pronounced the individual deceased at the scene. The department's Homicide Unit opened an investigation and Crime Scene Search teams collected physical evidence. CMPD said its Operations Command and MEDIC also assisted. A spokesperson for American Airlines said the carrier is working with law enforcement on the investigation. An airport representative said officials were aware of the "tragic discovery" and would support the police inquiry as needed.

CMPD asked anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 704-432-8477 or submit tips anonymously through Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. The department said additional details will be released by its Public Affairs Office as they become available.

Investigators are expected to carry out standard procedures for such...