Plane forced to slam on brakes to avoid hitting truck at airport

18 Apr 2026 • 12:41 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Plane forced to slam on brakes to avoid hitting truck at airport

An American Airlines pilot had to “slam on the brakes” to prevent the plane from colliding with a truck at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, an air traffic control audio recording reveals.

In audio from ATC.com recorded on Wednesday (15 April), a pilot is heard saying: “That white-black truck, they just went right in front of us and we nearly hit them.

"I had to slam on the brakes."

Airport officials said the incident is being reviewed, in accordance with established safety standards, and "safety and security remain top priorities."