LAS VEGAS, October 21, 2026 — A private jet carrying former Power Rangers actress Amy Jo Johnson and New Kids on the Block star Donnie Wahlberg skidded off a runway at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 18, but fortunately, all eight passengers on board were unharmed. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Dassault Falcon 50, bound for Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada, failed to take off and ran off the end of runway 1L, striking the perimeter fence.
Incident Details
According to Harry Reid International Airport, the incident happened at approximately 11 a.m. when a general aviation aircraft skidded off runway 1L and made contact with the perimeter fence. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane was a Dassault Falcon 50, and there were eight people on board when the pilot aborted the takeoff and went off the runway. Donnie Wahlberg posted an Instagram video from the scene, stating that the pilots saved their lives, and “we were taking off and didn’t get up in the air and ran out of runway.” Amy Jo Johnson also posted on Instagram, saying she was “surviving a very hairy plane situation” and was “grateful and very happy to be alive.”
Celebrity Reactions
Both Amy Jo Johnson and Donnie Wahlberg took to social media to express their gratitude and relief after the incident. Wahlberg praised the pilots for doing “an amazing job of keeping us safe and avoiding a serious disaster” and noted that “the airplane did take some lumps — but we did not.” Johnson, who had attended Wahlberg’s New Kids on the Block residency finale at Dolby Live at Park MGM on Saturday, October 17, said it was an “eventful weekend” and that she was thankful to be alive. The incident prompted an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues, with many commenting on Johnson’s post to express their relief that she and the other passengers were safe.
Airport Operations And Investigation
The incident led to the closure of runways 1R and 1L for inspection, and a ground stop was put in place at the airport from 12:50 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., causing travel delays. The FAA is investigating the incident, and the airport has apologized for any inconvenience caused to travelers. According to the FAA, the aircraft was bound for Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada, and the pilot’s actions likely prevented a more serious disaster. The quick response of emergency personnel also helped to minimize the impact of the incident, with Wahlberg thanking them as “absolutely wonderful” in his Instagram caption.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the importance of pilot training and emergency procedures in preventing serious disasters. It also underscores the need for ongoing maintenance and inspection of aircraft to ensure that they are airworthy. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is likely that the FAA and other regulatory bodies will be examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. What this signals is a renewed focus on safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the aviation industry, which is strategically important for ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew. The calculus of risk and reward in aviation is complex, but incidents like this serve as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and attention to detail to prevent accidents and ensure safe travel.
Sources
- “Power Rangers” Alum Amy Jo Johnson Speaks Out After Plane She Was on with Donnie Wahlberg Skids Off Runway
- Power Rangers’ Amy Jo Johnson ‘Happy to Be Alive’ After Donnie Wahlberg’s Plane Skidded Off Runway
- Power Rangers’ Amy Jo Johnson ‘Happy to Be Alive’ After Donnie Wahlberg’s Plane Skidded Off Runway
Photo: Kevin Paul (CC BY 4.0)
