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A stowaway was discovered dead in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines plane upon its arrival.

The grim discovery was made at Charlotte Douglas International Airport around 9am on Sunday morning, as per police reports.

The individual was found by staff carrying out routine maintenance on the aircraft that had just landed from Europe.

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The person was declared dead at the scene by officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed that the airline is "working with law enforcement on its investigation", but no further details have been released.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them direct

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