Crazy Experiences on Airplanes: From Scary Landing to Near Disaster

Taking to the skies can be an exhilarating experience for many, but there are times when even the most routine flights can turn out to be quite the adventure. Two particularly memorable flights stand out from my experiences—both having an element of strangeness that doesn't quite fit the norm. One time, it was a matter of almost soaring back into the sky, and the other, a near disaster due to a leaky aircraft door. These experiences, though troubling, serve as a reminder of the diligence and skill of aviation professionals.

Scary Landing Incident with JetBlue

Back about a decade ago, I was a passenger on a JetBlue flight destined for JFK. As the plane was making its approach to land, everything seemed routine. However, just a hundred feet from the tarmac, the plane suddenly accelerated upward. In a matter of 30 seconds, we had climbed several thousand feet in the air once again. The pilot communicated nothing, and after circling around once, we landed normally. Upon deplaning, nobody on the flight crew mentioned anything unusual.

Upon further investigation, I learned that according to FAA regulations, if an aircraft's speed is too high or low during landing, an alarm sounds, and the pilots are required to immediately re-elevate the aircraft and perform a circling maneuver to start the landing process over. This alarm typically goes off routinely, and experienced pilots often ignore it. On this occasion, it seems we had a pilot who was new to the job, and he adhered strictly to the procedures. This sudden event certainly left a lasting impression on me and likely many other passengers.

Near Disaster at Yokota Air Base

The other incident involved a military flight from Yokota Air Base in Japan back to the United States. While taking off, just before liftoff, the pilot applied the brakes suddenly, causing the plane to shudder and some items to fall from overhead compartments. Everyone knew something was wrong, but thankfully, there was no crash. The pilot made a rather vague announcement that there was an indication of depressurization in one of the rear doors, and they would need to go back and check it.

The 13-hour flight was conducted under a particularly eerie atmosphere. Approximately every hour, a cockpit crew member accompanied by a peculiarity-smile would walk to the back of the aircraft and reassure the passengers. Each time, he would conduct checks on the rear door seal, leaving everyone on board wondering if he was looking for any signs of failure.

As a veteran of combat in Vietnam, the prospect of this flight was both tantalizing and terrifying. I thought of all the everyday joys awaiting me upon my return and feared that this could be the end, given the dramatic circumstances and the possibility that the plane could catastrophically fail. Thankfully, the flight proceeded without any further incidents, and we landed at Oakland Army Airfield safely.

Reflecting back, I realized that while the experience was troubling, it underscored the dedication of the crew and the safety measures in place. These incidents, though unusual, are excellent examples of how airlines and their personnel go to great lengths to maintain safety standards and keep passengers informed and reassured.

Conclusion

Air travel, while generally a safe and reliable means of transportation, can sometimes provide experiences that challenge our perceptions of normalcy. Both these incidents, though alarming at the time, highlighted the diligent work of pilots and crew members in ensuring our safety. As travelers, it's important to remember that the safety of every flight is a collaborative effort between airlines, equipment manufacturers, and aviation professionals.