Donnie Wahlberg says he is grateful to be alive following a frightening incident at a Las Vegas airport, where a private jet carrying the actor and singer was forced to abort takeoff.
According to reports, the aircraft carrying the 57-year-old actor sped beyond the end of the runway and crashed into a fence at around 11 a.m. local time on Sunday, October 18.
The plane, a Dassault Falcon 50, was scheduled to fly from Harry Reid International Airport to Toronto. Wahlberg was reportedly traveling with members of his team and friends, with a total of eight people aboard.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the pilot aborted the takeoff, causing the jet to run off Runway 1L and strike the airport’s perimeter fence.
Air traffic control audio circulating online appears to capture someone repeatedly saying “Aborting” as the incident unfolded. Shortly afterward, air traffic controllers can be heard informing the crew that emergency vehicles were on their way.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. However, a ground stop remained in effect at the airport for several hours following the incident.
A few hours later, Wahlberg shared a video on Instagram, filmed outdoors with the damaged aircraft visible behind him. He explained that the jet had run out of runway before it could become airborne.
He revealed that the aircraft had narrowly missed several fences along the way before adding, “We didn’t avoid the last one.” He also explained that the plane had avoided trucks, heavy machinery and dumpsters.
“I’m just going to tell you these pilots saved our lives,” Donnie, the older brother of Mark Wahlberg, said. “And God covered us.”
In the caption accompanying his Instagram post, Wahlberg explained that the frightening experience seemed to last much longer than it actually had.
His wife, Jenny McCarthy, quickly responded to the post, sharing a message expressing gratitude to God.
At the time of writing, the FAA is investigating the circumstances that led the pilots to abort the takeoff. Aviation experts estimate that the jet was traveling at approximately 130 to 150 mph when the crew decided to stop.
The previous evening, Wahlberg had performed with New Kids on the Block during their residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM. He had also shared a selfie from his seat aboard the aircraft shortly before the unsuccessful takeoff attempt.
