Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-19**Lead**
Donnie Wahlberg, the 56-year-old singer and actor best known as a member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block, publicly thanked God and praised the pilots of his private aircraft after the plane skidded off the runway at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Monday evening. The incident occurred during a period of heavy rainfall that has drenched the southern Nevada region, creating hazardous conditions on the tarmac. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, and airport operations resumed shortly after the aircraft was towed to a secure location.
**Contexto**
The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600 series jet, was arriving from a concert tour stop when it encountered difficulty during the landing rollout. According to preliminary statements from airport authorities, the plane veered left off the paved surface onto the grassy apron adjacent to Runway 19L just before 7 p.m. local time. The Federal Aviation Administration has opened a standard investigation to determine the precise cause, with initial focus on standing water and decreased tire traction — a condition known as hydroplaning.
Wahlberg, who was traveling with a small entourage including band personnel, took to social media hours after the event to express his gratitude. "God was in that cockpit tonight," he wrote on his verified Instagram account. "I want to thank our incredible pilots for keeping us safe. They handled a terrifying situation with absolute professionalism. My family and I are here because of them."
The performer traveled frequently for both music and acting commitments. He is currently in the midst of a promotional cycle for the upcoming film "Saw XI," in which he reprises his role as Detective Eric Matthews. His New Kids on the Block bandmate Joey McIntyre also posted a message of relief, saying, "Glad everyone is okay. Donnie, you owe those pilots a lifetime supply of Dunkin'."
**Analise**
While the incident is classified as a runway excursion — a relatively common aviation event with roughly 30 to 40 such occurrences reported annually in the United States — the involvement of a high-profile celebrity brings renewed attention to airport safety infrastructure. Runway excursions are the leading cause of aviation accidents worldwide, according to the Flight Safety Foundation, yet fatal outcomes remain rare thanks to modern aircraft design and rigorous pilot training. The fact that the aircraft remained structurally intact and did not catch fire is a testament to both the aircraft's engineering and the crew's quick decision-making.
For Wahlberg, the incident may influence his forthcoming public appearances. The singer has historically been open about his Catholic faith, and this event is likely to deepen his public narrative of spiritual resilience. It also underscores the broader trend of celebrities increasingly using personal aviation for tour logistics, a practice that carries inherent risks even with the highest safety standards. The luxury private jet market has grown 12% in the last two years, according to industry data from Honeywell, and with that growth comes a corresponding need for enhanced runway maintenance and pilot training specific to adverse weather conditions.
**Fontes**
- Federal Aviation Administration incident report, preliminary summary dated October 19, 2026. - Harry Reid International Airport public statement issued via social media on October 19, 2026. - Donnie Wahlberg's verified Instagram account, post published at 9:14 p.m. Pacific Time on October 19, 2026. - Flight Safety Foundation, "Runway Excursion Analysis," 2025 annual report. - Honeywell Aerospace, "Business Aviation Market Outlook," 2025 edition.