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University of Michigan men's basketball team plane slides off runway at Willow Run airport

Plane sustained extensive damage, school says

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan men's basketball team plane was involved in an incident Wednesday at the Willow Run airport in Ann Arbor, the team announced.

After attempting to take off in high winds, takeoff was aborted and, after strong braking, the plane slid off the runway, the the university said.

READMichigan basketball team 'a little banged up and shook up' after plane accident

The plane was extensively damaged, but everyone on board exited the plane safely, the university announced.

Michigan's basketball team and school band members were on the plane, officials said.

The team is making alternative travel plans. The Wolverines are set to play the Illinois Fighting Illini at noon Thursday in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. The tournament is being held at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. for the first time in conference history.

The Airport Authority provided the following statement:

"Shortly before 3 p.m. today, a charter flight aborted takeoff at Willow Run Airport and went off the end of Runway 23L. The Airport Authority Public Safety and Operations teams responded. There were no injuries to the seven crew members and 109 passengers, including members of the University of Michigan men’s basketball team. The MD83 was operated by Ameristar Charters. As a result of this incident, Willow Run Airport remains closed at this time."

Stay with ClickOnDetroit.com for updates.


About the Author
Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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