USC Trojans team plane backs onto tarmac with coaches, football staff still on board

The post-Clay Helton era at USC got off to a bizarre start before Saturday’s game in Washington state.

After landing in Lewiston, Idaho, on Friday, the Trojans’ squad plane rolled back onto the tarmac, sending the plane’s nose high into the air after the ground crew failed to put the tail of the aircraft in place.

USC has just arrived in Pullman WA for their match with Wazzu. Here is their plane … half of the team was still on board too😳 no explanation yet … pic.twitter.com/3lwvChstEA

– Dave Stockton Jr (@ DSJR1) September 18, 2021

This happened during the disembarkation process with coaches and staff still on the plane, according to a USC spokesperson. The players, who are seated in the front half of the plane, got out and no one was injured, the spokesperson said.

The ground crew quickly leveled the plane, allowing the rest of the passengers to exit.

USC (1-1, 0-1 Pac-12) will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Stanford last week in Game 1 under interim coach Donte Williams. Kick-off is 3:30 p.m. ET.