Scariest moment of my life but we're all good. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/3GGd2Rw5no
— Tyler Davis (@tylerjdavis2) March 8, 2017
A plane carrying the University of Michigan men’s basketball team had to abort takeoff after it slid off of the runway at Willow Run Airport in Ann Arbor on Wednesday. The Willow Run Airport is approximately 15 miles from the Ann Arbor campus. The team made alternative travel plans.
Tom Wywrot, a spokesman for the UM basketball team, described the incident at the Willow Run Airport for reporters. Michigan faces Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday in Washington, D.C.
Wywrot says the takeoff “was aborted” on a day marked by high winds and “after strong braking,” the plane slid off of the runway and “sustained extensive damage.”
The team manager tweeted a video (above) that showed the MD83 plane had skidded through a fence, across an access road and off a low embankment.
UM head coach John Beilein texted ESPN’s Andy Katz to confirm that the team was alright.
Michigan coach John Beilein texted saying, "All OK! A few guys a little banged up and shook up Blessed we did not get up in the air." https://t.co/8rE4pZUF9E
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) March 8, 2017
The University of Michigan Wolverines (20-11, 5th in Big Ten) were traveling to take on the University of Illinois in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament in Washington, D.C.
Our team and everyone in our travel party is safe. Update on today's travel accident.
Thanks for your well wishes! #GoBlue 〽 pic.twitter.com/CJfrr5ONEJ
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) March 8, 2017
