Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
EasyJet Flight Aborts Landing at Madeira Airport Amidst Strong Winds
Dramatic video footage captures the moment an easyJet Airbus A320 was compelled to discontinue its landing approach at Madeira Airport due to powerful crosswinds. The flight U21869, approaching the runway, encountered challenging conditions forcing the pilots to execute a go-around maneuver just meters from the tarmac. Onlookers observed with anticipation as the easyJet plane navigated the turbulent weather.
Aborted Landing Caught on Camera
The footage reveals the Airbus A320 battling intense winds as it made its landing attempt at Madeira Airport. Despite nearing the runway, the strong gusts rendered the touchdown unsafe. The pilots reacted swiftly, initiating an urgent climb to regain altitude. The aircraft is seen skimming close to the ground, veering slightly to the right before ascending past the camera’s view.
The video of this aborted landing, recorded on March 19th, has quickly gained traction online, accumulating over 300,000 views on YouTube. Initially, some viewers questioned the authenticity of the clip, taken during what appeared to be a routine easyJet flight approach.
Eyewitness Accounts Confirm Go-Around
However, individuals present on the airport’s popular aircraft spotting terrace corroborated the event. They witnessed the easyJet aircraft perform the go-around procedure, subsequently flying directly over the airport terminal and boarding areas. This visual confirmation validated the footage and underscored the challenging weather conditions at Madeira Airport.
Viewer Reactions to the Near-Miss Landing
Online commentators expressed their reactions to the video, with many highlighting the intensity of the go-around. Remarks included observations such as, ‘That’s one of the most extreme go-arounds I’ve ever witnessed,’ and ‘That go around was truly wild!’ Another viewer commented, ‘Never have I seen anything comparable, truly amazing.’
Past Turbulence Incident on EasyJet Flight
Separately, recollections have surfaced of a previous incident involving easyJet passengers experiencing severe turbulence. Last year, passengers aboard an easyJet flight from Corfu to London endured a harrowing experience when their aircraft encountered significant turbulence, resulting in injuries to two cabin crew members.
Details of Corfu to London Turbulence Incident
The easyJet flight EZY8120, operated by an Airbus A320, departed Corfu Airport in Greece at 12:44 pm local time on August 19th, en route to London Gatwick with 181 individuals on board, comprising passengers and crew. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 485mph at 28,000ft, the aircraft was violently shaken by turbulence.
Cabin Crew Injured During Turbulence
The sudden and intense turbulence caused two members of the cabin crew, who were preparing for in-flight service, to be thrown against the cabin ceiling. Witnesses reported that one crew member sustained a severe ankle sprain, and the other suffered a broken leg. This serious incident necessitated an emergency landing at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.
Passenger Testimonies of Turbulence Experience
Sharleigh, a passenger on the Corfu to London flight, recounted to MailOnline, ‘I genuinely believed we were going to perish, it was unlike anything I’ve ever encountered.’ She added, ‘The pilot mentioned the possibility of ”mild turbulence”… shortly after, the plane began shaking violently and then abruptly plummeted. Passengers were screaming – my friend and I held each other, convinced we were going to die.’
Melanie, another passenger, likened the turbulence to ‘being in free-fall on a rollercoaster.’ She described, ‘Without warning, the plane simply dropped, only to seemingly pull up and then descend again – I felt myself being lifted and then falling back down. I instinctively adopted a brace position and screamed… The entire aircraft was filled with screams – my niece, seated ahead of me, was crying uncontrollably. It was utterly terrifying.’
Melanie, usually a confident traveler, admitted to heightened anxiety for the remainder of the journey. ‘I am not typically a nervous flyer, but I was extremely anxious for the entire return flight after that ordeal, gripping the seat in front of me tightly.’
Immediate Assistance After Emergency Landing
Upon landing in Rome, passengers and the injured crew members were immediately attended to by easyJet personnel, airport staff, and paramedics who provided necessary assistance. A flight attendant stated, ‘Both crew members impacted the galley ceiling. One sustained a severe ankle sprain, the other a fractured tibia.’