Actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg has reassured fans after a private jet carrying him and members of his team skidded off a runway at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on October 18, 2026. The aircraft struck a perimeter fence during an unsuccessful takeoff attempt, but no injuries were reported.
Wahlberg later shared a video on Instagram explaining what happened and thanking the pilots for helping everyone on board reach safety. He also expressed gratitude to God and the emergency personnel who responded to the incident.
Donnie Wahlberg Shares Details of the Plane Incident
Wahlberg addressed the incident after receiving numerous messages from concerned fans, friends, and family members.
In his Instagram post, the Boston Blue actor explained that he had initially recorded the video to update his loved ones about his safety. However, he decided to share it publicly after seeing how many people were asking about his condition.
He described the experience as intense, saying the moments during the incident felt much longer than they actually were.
Wahlberg confirmed that his team and friends were also travelling on the aircraft. Fortunately, everyone on board was safe.
The singer thanked the pilots for their response and praised the emergency personnel on the ground in Las Vegas. He also acknowledged that the aircraft had sustained damage, although the passengers escaped without reported injuries.
What Happened at Harry Reid International Airport?
The incident occurred at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 18, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
The private jet, identified in reports as a Dassault Falcon 50, went beyond the runway during a planned departure and struck a perimeter fence. The aircraft had eight people on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
In his Instagram video, Wahlberg explained that the aircraft failed to get airborne and ran out of runway.
He also pointed out that the plane had avoided nearby trucks and heavy equipment before striking the fence. His account highlighted how serious the situation had felt to those travelling on board.
Authorities have not publicly established the cause of the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating what happened.
Airport Operations Temporarily Disrupted
The incident also affected airport operations.
According to the Associated Press, two runways were temporarily closed for inspection after the aircraft left the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration also temporarily paused incoming flights, contributing to delays.
The airport’s safety checks were necessary following the incident. The temporary restrictions were later lifted after the runways were inspected.
No injuries were reported by airport officials.
Donnie Wahlberg: Thanks, Pilots and Emergency Responders
Wahlberg placed particular emphasis on the role of the pilots in bringing the frightening situation to a safe outcome.
He credited their actions with preventing a potentially more serious disaster and expressed appreciation for the emergency crews who responded at the airport.
The actor also spoke openly about his religious faith while describing the experience.
In the video, he said he and the others had been praying before the incident. After realizing the aircraft was not going to take off successfully, he said he was grateful that everyone remained safe.
His message focused on gratitude rather than the damage to the aircraft.
The video also offered fans a direct update from Wahlberg himself, helping address concerns that had spread following reports of the runway incident.
Who Is Donnie Wahlberg?
Donnie Wahlberg is an American actor, singer, and producer best known as a member of the pop group New Kids on the Block.
The group became a major pop act in the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning international recognition with songs such as Step by Step and Hangin’ Tough.
Alongside his music career, Wahlberg has established himself as an actor. His television credits include the crime drama Blue Bloods, in which he played Detective Danny Reagan, and Boston Blue, a series connected to the earlier show.
His career across music and television has earned him a broad fan base. As a result, news about his safety quickly attracted attention from fans following the Las Vegas incident.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priority following the runway incident was ensuring the safety of everyone involved and inspecting the affected airport facilities.
Although Wahlberg confirmed that he and his companions were safe, officials had not established the cause of the failed takeoff in the initial reports.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation is expected to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion.
For now, Wahlberg’s public message has provided reassurance to fans. He expressed gratitude to the pilots, emergency responders, and everyone who reached out with concern following the incident.