WASHINGTON D.C.

-- Those who were there describe confusion, fear, panic and anger.

Michigan basketball's team plane skid off the runway at Willow Run Airport on Wednesday afternoon, the result of heavy winds and an aborted takeoff.

On Thursday morning, nearly 24 hours after their intended arrival, the Wolverines are wearing practice uniforms for their 12:20 tipoff versus Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament.

According to those who were there, Michigan's team plane never lifted off on Wednesday. Amid heavy winds, the plane sped down the runway before the pilot slammed on the brakes, sending the plane sliding through the end of the runway.

The landing gear collapsed and the plane went through a fence and, as one descriptor said, "the pilot opted to veer to the side instead of going toward buildings."

There was a ravine ahead. The plane stopped just short of it. There was a jolt. Those on the plane described waiting for the plane to stop; "it felt like forever," Michigan strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson said.

One witness said the ravine was 100 yards away. Another witness said it was 300 yards. Either way, it was there. The plane stopped short.

"That pilot undoubtedly saved our lives," said one witness, who requested to not be quoted directly. "He knew something wasn't right."

There were screams and tears. Multiple people had bumps and bruises. Derrick Walton Jr., it's been learned, sustained a cut that would require stitches.

According to Michigan radio play-by-play announcer Matt Shepard, Michigan players Jon Teske and Mark Donnal took the doors off the plane, beginning emergency exit procedures.

The inflatable chutes were deployed, but wind gusts caused them to flail and flop.

Michigan coaches and players helped others off the plane. There were 109 passengers aboard the flight, including family members of the staff, the team band and cheerleaders.

U-M head coach John Beilein oversaw much of the deboarding.

Sanderson, Shepard and sports information director Tom Wywrot all used the same word to describe Beilein.

"Unbelievable."

Beilein had fumes pouring in his face as helped hold down the inflatable chutes. Once everyone deboarded, he checked with each person individually.

Everyone ran away from the plane. The engine, darkened and burned, was still churning with noise.

"Thought it was gonna blow," Sanderson said.

It didn't. After getting as far away as possible, everyone looked back, wondering what just happened. Some of the students took selfies.

Zak Irvin called his mother, crying.

The plane's undercarriage held all of Michigan equipment, along with its white, blue and maize uniforms. That would all stay behind. The plane is now part of an investigation.

Bob Bland, U-M's equipment manager said: "We had to go with plan C."

He laughed, "Well, plan D."

Michigan ultimately arrived in Washington D.C. on Thursday morning on a plane arranged by Delta. Its game versus Illinois is underway.

Before tip-off, a member of the Michigan staff was asked if the team had done any basketball activity since the accident.

His response, a cocked eyebrow, said no.

* Correction: This story previously stated that John Beilein had fuel on his face. It's been corrected to state that he had fumes in his face.