Danger can strike at any moment. From engine failures to emergency landings, pilots face numerous challenges that can turn a routine flight into a harrowing experience. This article explores 10 of the most dangerous flights that have left passengers and crew on the edge of their seats.
10. Airbus A330 Bird Strike – Flight EI123, April 2023
The Airbus A330 was preparing for takeoff when disaster struck. A flock of birds collided with the aircraft, damaging one of its engines – but the plane still took off, with the blood from the birds that struck the wing visible to some passengers. The pilots quickly declared an emergency and had to return to the airport. Due to the extra weight from fuel that was not burned during the flight as well as the engine damage, the landing was challenging, but the crew managed to land safely, and no injuries were reported.
9. United Airlines Boeing 777 Engine Explosion – Flight UA328, Feb 2021
Shortly after taking off from Denver, a United Airlines Boeing 777 experienced a terrifying engine explosion. Footage shows the engine running (barely) with visible fires engulfing part of it. Parts of the engine fell to the ground, creating panic among passengers. The pilots acted swiftly, using the remaining engine to return to Denver, where they landed safely without any injuries.
8. Boeing 777 Unstable Landing, Aug 2020
In a heart-stopping moment, a Boeing 777 was about to touch down when the pilot suddenly had to gain altitude again. The aircraft was in a precarious position, and the pilot had to slam it onto the runway to avoid a potential disaster. The landing was rough, but the crew’s quick thinking ensured everyone onboard was safe.
7. A321 Neo Low Landing in Skiathos, Aug 2022
The A321 Neo made headlines when it came in unusually low during its landing approach in Skiathos, Greece. The aircraft nearly grazed spectators on the ground, raising alarms about safety protocols. Thankfully, the pilots managed to land the plane without incident, but it served as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining proper altitude during landings.
6. F-15 Hydraulic Failure, Nov 2022
An F-15 fighter jet faced a hydraulic failure that rendered its brakes inoperable. The pilot had to land without brakes, relying on an arrestor hook and a capture cable to stop the jet safely. This incident showcased the skill and training required to handle emergencies in military aviation.
5. A340 Flaps Issue – Lufthansa Flight LH542, Oct 2018
An Airbus A340 encountered a serious issue when it landed too fast due to a malfunction with its flaps. The pilots had to execute a landing without flaps, which is a challenging maneuver. Despite the difficulties, the crew managed to land safely, demonstrating their expertise under pressure.
4. UPS MD-11 Runway Mix-Up, Mar 2023
In a near-miss situation, a UPS MD-11 was cleared to land on a runway that a UPS Boeing 767 was preparing to take off from. The MD-11 had to go around to avoid a collision, while the 767 had to taxi away, resulting in delays for both flights as crews worked to line up a new takeoff and landing plan.
3. F-15 Compressor Stall, Nov 2022
During takeoff, an F-15 experienced a compressor stall, causing flames to shoot from the engine as it was preparing for takeoff. The pilot quickly aborted the takeoff, preventing a potentially catastrophic situation.
2. C-5M Galaxy Slow Takeoff, Mar 2023
A C-5M Galaxy took off too slowly, forcing an Airbus A330 behind it to go around. Spacing and timing takeoffs and landing requires careful consideration and planning, and delays can create potentially dangerous situations where planes could accidentally use a “busy” runway.
1. Finnair Boeing 757 Eagle Strike, July 2009
A Finnair Boeing 757 was taking off from Helsinki when a large eagle flew into its engine. The incident could have resulted in a serious emergency, but the pilots managed to maintain control and continue the flight safely. It’s difficult to see the eagle striking the engine – but the effect it has on the engine is insant, and the entire aircraft began to shake immediately.
