Teen stowaway survives Pacific Ocean flight in wheel well
A 16-year-old boy has survived a hazardous mile-high journey across the Pacific Ocean, stowing away in the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines plane.
After an argument at home, the runaway hitched a ride on the aircraft, after sneaking on to the tarmac at Santa Clara Airport, California.
After apparently picking an aircraft at random, he stowed away in the wheel well of Hawaiian Airlines Flight 45.
Once discovered in a disoriented state on arrival at Honolulu by airport officials, the boy was questioned by the FBI on Sunday who have pieced together details of the incredible journey.
FBI spokesman Tom Simon in Honolulu said the boy was unscathed despite lack of oxygen and sub-zero temperatures at 38,000 feet.
The boy was very lucky to be alive according to Simon.
"He doesn’t even remember the flight and it’s amazing he survived it," said Simon.
The FBI also said the boy was unconscious for most of the five-hour flight.
No charges are being brought against the teen who has been referred to child protective services.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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