On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video captured the frightening moment when loose luggage flew into a plane’s propeller midair.
The shocking incident, which showed the loose luggage striking the propeller and causing an emergency landing, left viewers in disbelief.
A terrifying incident occurred mid-flight when loose luggage struck the propeller of an Aerocord Airlines plane over the Pacific Ocean. The crew acted swiftly to ensure a safe landing, averting disaster.
Loose luggage strikes plane’s propeller midair
The flight, traveling from Chaitén to Puerto Montt in southern Chile, took an unexpected turn when a bag slipped out of the plane’s hold.
As seen in a video captured by a passenger, the luggage struck the right propeller, causing the blades to stall momentarily.
“We felt a loud bang, then everything started to vibrate,”a passenger told Chilean news station Canal 13.
The pilot quickly assessed the incident
Despite the frightening event, the pilot managed to keep control of the aircraft. After the propeller incident, the pilot successfully navigated the plane back to Chaitén Airport, where it landed safely.
The plane was carrying 18 passengers and one crew member.
Before the incident, passengers had already faced delays. The plane was held up for four hours at the airport due to issues with one of the aircraft’s doors not closing properly.
Shortly after takeoff, the incident occurred.
Social media reacion
Many viewers express their shock about the incident.
One person said: Where is the guy attached to the “backpack”.
A second wrote: Dear baggage handler: YOUR FIRED!
While a third commented:No, a suitcase won’t stop a propeller. It just slowed it down a little and the apparent pause is an effect of the camera.
Another added: Boeing called and recommended using duct tape.
Different explanations of the incident
Aerocord Airlines initially stated that a bird struck the fuselage, which caused the cargo doors to loosen.
However, the passenger who filmed the video, Luis Águila, offered a different account.
“A suitcase fell from the aircraft and hit the propellers,” Águila explained. He also mentioned that the trunk door had been poorly closed, which allowed the luggage to escape.
Following the incident, Aerocord Airlines activated their safety protocols and reported the event to the relevant aeronautical authorities. The decision was made to return to Chaitén Airport for an emergency landing.
This incident came just days after another in-flight emergency on a Copa Airlines flight. A passenger attempted to open the door mid-flight, leading to an altercation with the crew. The plane was able to land safely in Panama City, where the passenger was arrested.
Both the Aerocord Airlines incident and the Copa Airlines emergency highlight the importance of safety protocols and quick thinking in aviation. Fortunately, both crews ensured the safety of their passengers despite unexpected challenges.