The Air Atlanta Icelandic 747 flight on November 9 took an unusual turn when it had to make an emergency landing back at JFK airport. The reason? A horse had broken free from its cargo hold, causing chaos at 30,000 feet in the air.
Neigh-sayers may not believe it, but the pilot had to take swift action when they discovered the loose horse onboard. The flight, which was en route to Belgium, had to divert back to New York City due to the unexpected equine escapade.
In an audio recording of the cockpit conversation, obtained by “You Can See The ATC,” the pilot can be heard notifying air traffic control about the situation. The urgency in the pilot’s voice was evident as he reported, “We are a cargo plane with a live animal, a horse, on board. The horse has broken out of its stall.”
Although the plane was able to continue flying with the loose horse, the lack of security for the animal during the flight compounded the urgency to return to base. The pilots made the difficult decision to jettison 20 tons of fuel in order to safely land the aircraft, ensuring that the horse’s wellbeing was the top priority.
Once back on the ground, the pilots requested the support of a veterinarian to assist the distressed horse. While the pilots described the animal as being “in difficulty,” the specific issues the horse faced were not disclosed.
Following the incident, it remains unknown whether the horse’s escapade was an attempt to seek greener pastures or simply a spirited adventure. Nevertheless, the flight to Belgium was eventually able to resume after the chaotic situation was resolved.
The bizarre incident, captured through a series of images and videos, showcases the unexpected events that can unfold during air travel. One of the images depicts the massive horse on board, unrested from its journey. Additionally, a video captures the critical moments as the plane made its emergency landing with the unruly equine passenger.
Despite the challenges faced during the flight, the pilots and crew navigated the situation with professionalism and concern for the safety and wellbeing of the horse, as well as the passengers and the aircraft.
This remarkable experience serves as a testament to the extraordinary events that can occur in the aviation industry and the swift action taken by the crew in response to the unexpected and challenging situation. It also highlights the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances and the dedication of aviation professionals to prioritize safety and security in all situations.
