Michigan basketball team 'a little banged up' after plane accident

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan men's basketball team is "a little banged up and shook up" after its plane slid off the runway Wednesday at Willow Run airport, according to ESPN's Andy Katz.

"All OK!" head coach John Beilein reportedly texted Katz. "A few guys a little banged up and shook up. Blessed we did not get up in the air."

Michigan basketball tweeted that the team and everyone in the travel party is safe after the crash.

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

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."

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