The Red Clay Strays faced a harrowing experience while en route to the 2026 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, revealing that their private jet encountered significant mechanical issues. The band members recounted details of the terrifying incident at the awards ceremony, highlighting a heart-stopping moment when part of the plane’s engine cowling detached during takeoff.
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In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment on 17 May, guitarist Zach Rishel discussed the frightening ordeal. When asked about the highlight of their week, Rishel responded with a mix of disbelief and humour, stating, “We almost died in that private jet. Part of our engine cowling flew off during takeoff.” This startling revelation underscored the gravity of their situation as they travelled to the prestigious event in Las Vegas.
The incident compelled the private jet to circle over Mobile, Alabama, for approximately two hours. This lengthy detour enabled the aircraft to burn off enough fuel before safely landing. The band later transferred to another plane, ensuring that they reached Las Vegas in time for the ACM Awards. Bassist Andrew Bishop corroborated the experience, noting, “We circled above Mobile for about two hours,” emphasising the uncertainty they faced during the emergency.
Drummer John Hall shared visual evidence of the damaged engine, highlighting that the technical failure occurred while they were in the air. Hall described the experience as “terrifying,” encapsulating the anxiety felt by all on board as they navigated the precarious situation.
Despite the harrowing flight, the Red Clay Strays triumphed at the 2026 ACM Awards, securing the Group of the Year accolade and delivering a performance of their popular song “Demons in Your Choir.” The band’s resilience was evident as they celebrated their achievements, even in the face of adversity.
This was not the first time the Red Clay Strays encountered turbulence in the skies. Back in October, the group shared footage on Instagram of a flight to a country music festival in Salt Lake City, Utah, which was similarly fraught with peril. The video depicted the band members gripped by fear as the plane buffeted in severe winds.
In a moment of dark humour amid the turbulence, Bishop played the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd track “That Smell” from his phone, jokingly suggesting that if their plane was destined to crash, it would appropriately do so to the tune of the legendary band’s music. The reference was particularly poignant, given Lynyrd Skynyrd’s tragic history, which included a fatal plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several band members.
Amidst the chaos, camaraderie thrived, with band members openly discussing their fears, and one even admitting to succumbing to nausea during the bumpy flight. The group later expressed gratitude towards their pilots, commending their quick-thinking and composure under pressure. “Seriously though, very thankful to our pilots for their quick-thinking and coolness under pressure. Y’all rock!” they expressed in their social media post, perhaps reflecting both relief and admiration.
The Red Clay Strays’ journey to the ACM Awards serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, especially for those at the forefront of the music industry. As they continue to forge their path within the country music scene, their experiences in the sky add to an already compelling narrative of resilience and determination.
As they continue to captivate audiences with their music, the band’s spirit remains unbroken, showcasing their ability to handle life’s challenges both on stage and off. The Red Clay Strays have demonstrated that even when faced with adversity, laughter and gratitude can be powerful tools for overcoming fear, making them both relatable and inspiring figures in the world of country music.