A trans-Atlantic flight turned into a wild ride when a cargo jet had to turn back to New York after a horse broke free from its stall mid-flight, air traffic control audio revealed.
The Air Atlanta Icelandic Boeing 747 was en route to Belgium from JFK Airport when the pilot radioed air traffic control in Boston on Nov. 9 to report the equine escape. “We don’t have a problem as of flying-wise but we need to return, return back to New York. We cannot get the horse back secured,” the pilot can be heard saying on air traffic control recordings.
The high-flying horse’s escapade was captured by LiveATC.net and compiled by the site You Can See ATC, shedding light on the unexpected twist in the journey.
Officials scrambled to figure out how to safely corral the four-legged stowaway as the plane made its way back to New York. The situation presented a unique aviation challenge, as pilots and crew had to ensure the safety of both the horse and everyone else on board.
The plane touched down at JFK Airport, where the horse was finally reunited with its stall and the cargo jet was able to resume its journey to Belgium. The incident caused a delay in the flight’s schedule but did not result in any injuries or further disruptions.
Commenting on the unusual incident, a spokesperson for Air Atlanta Icelandic emphasized the airline’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers, human or otherwise. “The horse was safely secured and the flight continued without incident. The safety and security of our flights are our top priorities,” the spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, industry experts weighed in on the incident, noting the challenges posed by transporting live animals on cargo flights. Ensuring the safety and security of both the animals and the flight crew requires careful planning and preparation, they said.
The unexpected detour prompted humorous responses on social media, with many users expressing surprise and amusement at the unforeseen hoofed hijinks. Memes and jokes circulated online, with some users musing about the horse’s unexpected adventure and its potential impact on air travel regulations.
In the wake of the incident, aviation experts and industry stakeholders emphasized the importance of thorough safety protocols and training for handling live cargo. Transporting animals by air requires unique considerations, and incidents like this highlight the need for clear procedures and precautions.
Overall, the incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of preparedness for all kinds of situations. As the cargo jet made its way to Belgium, the unexpected horse escapade added an unexpected chapter to the flight’s journey, prompting reflections on the challenges and surprises of air travel.
