Man found dead in Gatwick plane gear was exposed to freezing conditions
Unknown man died from cardiac arrest following exposure to low temperatures and lack of oxygen
A man discovered in the wheel compartment of a plane that landed at Gatwick Airport died after being subjected to freezing conditions and insufficient oxygen, according to an inquest opening.
The hearing took place at the coroner's court in Horsham on Tuesday for the unidentified individual who passed away on 16th June 2026.
Coroner Joseph Turner from the West Sussex Brighton and Hove Area revealed details about the death as the inquest was formally opened.
Coroner’s officer Alex Jones stated the man was discovered in the landing gear compartment of an Air Arabia aircraft that had arrived from Tangiers, Morocco.
A ground engineer inspected the area and found the man dead.
The post-mortem examination concluded that the cause of death was cardiac arrest, compounded by hypoxia and hypothermia.
Coroner Turner highlighted the severe coldness and lack of oxygen inside the wheel compartment, categorising the death as “unnatural”.
At the time of the incident, a London Gatwick spokesperson said: “London Gatwick’s emergency services attended an Air Arabia aircraft just after 11.30am on Tuesday June 16 2026 when an incident was identified upon arrival.
“As Sussex Police have confirmed, a body was found. Our teams subsequently supported Sussex Police and the coroner. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
The inquest has been adjourned until February 24 2027.