The FBI has confirmed that a 16-year-old boy survived as a stowaway on a journey from California to Hawaii in a jetliner wheel well.

An unidentified California teenager told authorities he ran away from home April 20 after a fight with his parents.

The 16-year-old boy reportedly climbed a fence at the San Jose airport, and the climbed into the rear wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767.

The plane took off from San Jose, California at 7:50 a.m, bound for Kahului Airport on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

The boy somehow managed to survive the flight that reached altitudes of over 38,000 feet, during which temperatures can drop far below freezing.

Many if not most stowaways on planes do not survive the trip due to low oxygen levels and frigid temperatures.

Authorities say the boy was unconscious for most of the flight and has no memory it. Officials say the boy won't be charged and he was taken to hospital for observation.