Private jet skids off runway at Las Vegas airport; no injuries reported

A private jet skidded off a runway at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, causing temporary flight delays and prompting an investigation by federal aviation officials. The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 50, was bound for Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada when the incident occurred.

Incident Details and Timeline

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the jet had eight people on board when the pilot aborted the takeoff. The aircraft went off runway 1L and contacted a perimeter fence. The FAA stated in an email that the incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. local time.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the skid caused flight delays at the airport. Harry Reid International Airport confirmed in a statement shared on social media that there were no known injuries. The airport announced that two of its runways would be closed for inspection following the incident.

A ground stop was implemented at the airport at 12:50 p.m. and was lifted by 2:30 p.m. "Travelers may experience some delays. We will provide updates as more information becomes available," the airport said at the time.

Passengers and Pilot Response

Donnie Wahlberg, an actor and musician known for his role in "Boston Blue" and as a member of New Kids on the Block, was on board the aircraft. Wahlberg addressed the incident on Instagram hours after it occurred, describing the experience as "a rather intense few moments."

"We were taking off and didn’t get up in the air and ran out of runway. I’m just going to tell you these pilots saved our lives. And God covered us... We just finished praying, and I looked out the window and said, we are not getting up in the air today. But we’re safe and thankful and all is well," Wahlberg said in a video posted to Instagram.

Wahlberg noted that the plane "did take some lumps — but we did not." He stated that the pilots successfully avoided "heavy" airport vehicles and equipment. He also thanked the emergency personnel on the ground in Las Vegas, calling them "absolutely wonderful."

Official Investigations and Statements

The FAA confirmed to People magazine that the pilot aborted the takeoff, causing the plane to skid into the fence. The FAA stated it will investigate the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said, "We have no information to share at this time."

An air traffic control recording posted to TikTok appeared to capture the moments after the aircraft’s takeoff was halted. In the recording, a voice can be heard saying, "Aborting. Aborting," before the controller confirmed emergency vehicles were on their way and asked whether there were any injuries.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the operational risks associated with aborted takeoffs and the effectiveness of emergency protocols at major airports. The quick response by pilots to abort the takeoff and avoid obstacles prevented injuries, while the subsequent closure of runways for inspection ensured the safety of subsequent flights. The involvement of a public figure like Donnie Wahlberg brought significant media attention to the event, emphasizing the importance of clear communication from aviation authorities during such incidents.

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Sources

• people.com: Donnie Wahlberg’s Plane Skids off Runway in ‘Intense’ Moment at Las Vegas Airport
• reviewjournal.com: Harry Reid International Airport flight delays triggered by aircraft skidding off runway | Local Las Vegas | Local

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.