Sunday, May 18, 2008

When landing a plane resembles a demolition derby


I was amazed (and amused) to see reports of one light aircraft landing on top of one another near Dallas, TX.




For a learner pilot, it is embarrassing enough that you have brought your plane in to land on top of another aircraft that was on the runway.

But when that other plane belongs to your next-door neighbour, the situation reaches a whole new level of humiliation.

Despite the odds, that is exactly what happened at Roanoke airport near Dallas in Texas when one rookie pilot attempted to touch down.

The only problem was that his neighbour, at the controls of a smaller, red aircraft was on the runway and preparing for take off.

A quick chat over the radio and both men thought they had it clear - the other one was going to give way.

Unfortunately of course, neither did, and the undercarriage of the learner's plane became wedged in the top of the second plane's wing when he landed regardless.

Both propellors also smashed together and the planes were badly damaged, although luckily no one was injured.


A video clip of the incident has now been posted on YouTube.





I guess both pilots are incredibly lucky to be alive. They'll be dining out on this story for years!

Peter

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

By the grace of God there was no fire.

Crucis said...

I seem to remember that aircraft landing had right-of-way. OTOH, the aircraft actually ON THE RUNWAY had priority.

Murphy said...

Heh.


Plane porn.