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Red Clay Strays: Jet Scare Before ACM Win!
19 May
Summary
- Band members narrowly escaped a near-fatal plane incident before the ACM Awards.
- A portion of their private jet's engine cowling detached during takeoff.
- The group secured the Group of the Year award at the ACMs.
The Red Clay Strays experienced a dramatic pre-awards journey to the 2026 ACM Awards. Band members recounted a harrowing incident where their private jet suffered severe technical issues shortly after takeoff, with a piece of the engine cowling detaching.
According to guitarist Zach Rishel, the situation was dire, and they "almost died." The jet had to circle Mobile, Alabama, for approximately two hours to safely reduce fuel for an emergency landing, delaying their arrival. Bassist Andrew Bishop and drummer John Hall shared photographic evidence of the damage.
Despite this terrifying near-death experience, the band members arrived in Las Vegas to accept the prestigious Group of the Year award. They also delivered a performance of their song "Demons in Your Choir" at the ceremony.
This was not the first alarming flight for the country music group. In October, they shared footage of extreme turbulence during a flight to Salt Lake City, Utah, highlighting their consistent encounters with airborne challenges.
