Actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg and seven other passengers escaped uninjured on Sunday, October 18, 2026, when their private aircraft veered off a runway and struck a perimeter fence at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The incident took place at approximately 11 a.m. as the plane attempted to depart for Toronto. This prompted a temporary airport ground stop that lasted until shortly before 3 p.m.
Wahlberg is best known for his role in the television series “Boston Blue” and as a member of the iconic pop group New Kids on the Block. He shared details of the frightening ordeal on social media. In a video posted to Instagram, the 57-year-old entertainer confirmed that he, along with members of his team and personal friends, were on board the mid-size business jet.
“Yes, it was me and my team/friends onboard the aircraft. It was a rather intense few moments (which felt like a few long minutes),” Wahlberg said in the video message. Crediting the flight deck crew for averting a tragedy, he added, “Thankful to God, of course, and to our incredible pilots who did an amazing job of keeping us safe and avoiding a serious disaster. The airplane did take some lumps – but we did not.”
Details of the Runway Incident
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a total of eight individuals were on board the Dassault Falcon 50 aircraft when the pilot was forced to abort takeoff. The aircraft failed to gain altitude before running out of runway space. It subsequently left the pavement and collided with a perimeter fence.
Airport officials confirmed that no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. Emergency services responded immediately to the scene. Wahlberg made a point to praise the ground personnel for their rapid and professional response. “Thank you to all the emergency personnel on the ground in Las Vegas! You all were absolutely wonderful,” he stated.
The aborted takeoff and subsequent collision caused significant disruptions at Harry Reid International Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the United States. Aviation authorities instituted a temporary ground stop and closed two of the airport’s runways, designated as 1R and 1L, to conduct safety inspections and clear the area. Normal operations resumed shortly before 3 p.m. after safety checks were completed.
Ongoing Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the aborted takeoff and subsequent runway excursion. Investigators are reviewing flight data, maintenance logs, and weather conditions at the time of the departure attempt.
Despite the frightening moments on the tarmac, Wahlberg remained outwardly grateful as he reassured concerned fans and family members. “These pilots saved our lives and God covered us because I’m not sure how many fences we avoided but we didn’t avoid the last one,” Wahlberg said. The actor is currently starring in the second season of the CBS series “Boston Blue.”
