An Alaska Airlines flight encountered a turbulent landing during Tropical Storm Hilary on Sunday, causing sparks to fly on the runway at John Wayne Airport in Southern California.
A video posted on YouTube captured the terrifying moment when Flight 1288 from Seattle to Santa Ana in Orange County made a high-speed impact with the ground. The plane's left wing appeared to scrape along the tarmac, creating sparks that illuminated the heavy downpour.
Passengers on board screamed in fear as the plane rapidly descended. In the video, one person can be heard asking, "Why are we going so fast?" while another urges everyone to brace for impact. The sound of a loud crunch reverberates as the aircraft makes contact with the runway, prompting cries of terror from passengers.
Alaska Airlines officials stated that the plane encountered an issue shortly after landing in the storm at 11:15 p.m. local time. "The aircraft was unable to taxi to the gate due to an issue with its landing gear," the officials explained in a statement. As a result, the Boeing 737 aircraft was parked on a taxiway.
Fortunately, all 106 passengers and six crew members on Flight 1288 were safely evacuated and transported to the terminal by bus. No injuries were reported.
Alaska Airlines expressed its commitment to prioritizing the safety of its passengers and employees. "While this incident is a rare occurrence, our flight crews undergo extensive training to handle various scenarios safely," the airline stated. The company also apologized for any inconvenience caused and thanked passengers for their patience during the situation.
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) played a crucial role in assisting with the evacuation of the plane. In a statement, the OCFA described how its crews, along with airport staff and pilots, worked together to ensure the safe disembarkation of everyone on board. The OCFA emphasized that airport emergencies are part of their regular training, and their collaboration with airport staff helps facilitate smooth operations during such incidents.
Tropical Storm Hilary wreaked havoc across Southern California and Nevada, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that had not been seen in the area for 84 years. The storm, which had previously been a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Mexico's Baja California peninsula on Sunday morning before weakening as it moved into the southwestern United States.
Tragically, Hilary claimed at least one life in Mexico when a family of five was swept into the sea while crossing a stream in the Baja California Sur state, according to local officials.
In response to the storm's effects, states of emergency were declared in both California and Nevada. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell reached out to California Governor Gavin Newsom and Nevada Governor Joseph Lombardo to offer assistance from the federal agency.
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