The New Kids on the Block singer was among eight people aboard a private jet that failed to take off in Las Vegas. Now, air traffic control recordings reveal the tense moments surrounding the emergency — and Wahlberg’s emotional account explains how close the aircraft came to dangerous obstacles.
What should have been a routine flight out of Las Vegas turned into a frightening ordeal for actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg.
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the 57-year-old entertainer was aboard a private jet preparing to depart Harry Reid International Airport for Toronto.
But the aircraft never became airborne.
Instead, the jet continued beyond the runway, struck a perimeter fence, and came to a stop near airport vehicles and heavy equipment.
All eight people aboard escaped injury.
Now, newly released air traffic control audio is providing another perspective on the incident — including a pilot’s urgent radio call as the takeoff was abandoned.
People.com
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The Two Words Heard During the Emergency
On October 19, TMZ published air traffic control audio from the incident.
In the recording, a voice believed to belong to the aircraft’s pilot can be heard urgently repeating:
“Aborting, aborting.”
Those words indicated that the crew was discontinuing the takeoff.
Air traffic controllers then coordinated emergency assistance, advised other aircraft about delays, and sought information about possible injuries.
The recording captures the urgency of the response, but it does not establish why the aircraft failed to take off.
That question remains under investigation.
TMZ
Listen to the recording: TMZ — Donnie Wahlberg Plane Emergency Audio
Just Hours Earlier, He Had Been Celebrating With New Kids on the Block
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The emergency occurred just hours after a major milestone in Wahlberg’s music career.
On Saturday, October 17, he and his New Kids on the Block bandmates had completed the final performance of their Las Vegas residency, The Right Stuff, at Dolby Live at Park MGM.
For fans who grew up listening to the group’s hits, the residency had been a celebration of decades of music and memories.
Wahlberg was preparing to leave Las Vegas the following morning, accompanied by members of his team and friends.
Their destination was Toronto, Canada.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft was a Dassault Falcon 50 business jet carrying eight people.
At approximately 10:50 a.m. local time, the pilot aborted takeoff, and the aircraft continued off Runway 1L.
It eventually struck the airport’s perimeter fence.
Global News
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Donnie’s Emotional Video Revealed How Close They Came to Danger
Following the incident, Wahlberg recorded a video from the airport to reassure his loved ones and followers.
He confirmed that everyone was safe but described the frightening moments before the aircraft came to a stop.
The actor explained that the jet never managed to lift off.
As it continued beyond the runway, the aircraft narrowly avoided construction trucks, heavy machinery, and dumpsters before striking a fence.
Wahlberg credited the pilots with preventing a far more serious outcome.
“These pilots saved our lives,” he said.
He also spoke openly about his faith, explaining that the group had been praying before the incident.
Despite the damage to the aircraft, Wahlberg expressed gratitude that everyone escaped unharmed.
CBS Boston
Another Familiar Television Star Was on the Plane
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A surprising detail emerged on October 20.
Actress Amy Jo Johnson, best known for portraying Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, revealed that she had also been aboard the jet.
Johnson, 56, had attended the New Kids on the Block performance in Las Vegas.
She later shared photographs from the weekend, including images connected to the airport incident.
In her social media message, Johnson described the experience as frightening and expressed gratitude for surviving.
Her presence meant that two stars closely associated with 1990s popular culture had experienced the same terrifying emergency.
TMZ
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Jenny McCarthy Reacts to Her Husband’s Close Call
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Wahlberg’s wife, television personality Jenny McCarthy, was among those who responded to the frightening news.
The couple married in 2014 and have frequently spoken publicly about their close relationship.
After Wahlberg confirmed that he was safe, McCarthy shared a message expressing gratitude and relief.
Other celebrities and fans also responded with supportive messages.
For those who have followed Wahlberg’s career since the height of New Kids on the Block’s popularity, the news was especially unsettling.
An ordinary travel day had become an emergency, and his account made clear how grateful he was for the outcome.
People.com
Airport Officials Confirmed the Incident
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The incident was not simply a social media rumor.
Harry Reid International Airport confirmed that an aircraft had departed the runway and made contact with a perimeter fence.
The Federal Aviation Administration also confirmed the aborted takeoff and said it was investigating.
Two runways were temporarily closed for inspections, and the airport experienced flight delays.
Both runways reopened later that day.
Importantly, officials reported no injuries.
The audio released afterward documented the emergency response, but it did not identify a confirmed mechanical failure, pilot error, or other definitive cause.
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What Caused the Plane to Run Off the Runway?
As of October 21, 2026, investigators had not publicly established the cause of the runway overrun.
An aborted takeoff can occur for several reasons, including a warning indication, mechanical concern, or another condition requiring the crew to stop the aircraft.
However, none of those possible explanations should be presented as the cause of Wahlberg’s incident without evidence.
Investigators will need to examine the aircraft, available recordings, and other operational information before drawing conclusions.
For now, the most important confirmed fact is that all eight occupants survived without reported injuries.
A Frightening Ending to a Memorable Weekend
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For Wahlberg, the weekend began with music, celebration, and the conclusion of a major Las Vegas residency.
It ended with a damaged aircraft, emergency responders, and an emotional message of gratitude.
The newly released audio offers listeners a sense of how quickly the situation developed.
But it is Wahlberg’s own response that gives the story its emotional weight.
Rather than focusing on the damage to the jet, he emphasized the skill of the pilots and the fact that everyone aboard survived.
The investigation continues, and questions remain about what caused the aircraft to leave the runway.
For Donnie Wahlberg and the seven others aboard, however, the most important part of the story is already known: they all made it home from an ordeal that could have ended very differently.
Watch the footage and read the original reporting:
- TMZ — Newly Released Air Traffic Control Audio
- CBS News — Wahlberg Describes the Incident
- FOX5 Las Vegas — Airport Response and Audio
- TMZ — Amy Jo Johnson Reveals She Was on Board
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