Michigan basketball's plane slides off runway, no injuries reported
By Brendan F. Quinn |
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on March 08, 2017 at 3:49 PM, updated March 08, 2017 at 4:34 PM
WASHINGTON D.C. -- A charter plane carrying the University of Michigan men's basketball team was involved in an accident at Willow Run Airport on Wednesday afternoon. No injuries have been reported.
The plane was bound for Washington D.C., where Michigan is set to begin Big Ten Tournament play on Thursday.
A statement from Michigan basketball said the accident was due to high winds.
Per U-M: "After attempting to take off in high winds, takeoff was aborted and, after strong braking, the plane slide [sic] off runway. The plane sustained extensive damage but everyone on board was safely evacuated and is safe."
Michigan coach John Beilein told MLive that no one was injured seriously, but a few people are banged up.
"All is OK," Beilein said.
Michigan said the team is making alternate travel plans.
Officials at Willow Run Airport were not immediately able to provide a report on details and additional causes of the accidents.
In addition to the Michigan team, the plane was also carrying band members, cheerleaders and members coaching staffs' families.
Michigan, the No. 8 seed in the tournament, is scheduled to play No. 9 Illinois at noon Thursday.
Washtenaw County, where Willow Run Airport is located, was under a High Wind Advisory warning on Wednesday afternoon. Wind gusts were expected to potentially reach up to 60 mph.
According to a tweet from U-M, the charter flight was set to take off shortly after 2 p.m. ET.