‘We are falling, we will die!’ Scary video from Turkish Airlines flight after 3 failed landing attempts in storm
Turkish Airlines Flight Diverts Safely After Three Landing Attempts in Tunisia Storm
Bharatmorningnews.com – “We are falling, we will die!” were among the terrified cries heard from passengers on a Turkish Airlines flight travelling from Istanbul to Tunisia after severe weather disrupted its landing on Thursday, September 10. The frightening incident unfolded as the aircraft approached Tunis-Carthage International Airport, where stormy conditions made a safe touchdown difficult.
The journey had reportedly been calm for most of the flight. However, conditions changed dramatically during the descent. Strong turbulence shook the aircraft as it moved through the storm, leaving many passengers frightened and uncertain about whether the plane would be able to land.
Videos recorded inside the cabin by passenger Marina Maiskaya captured the tense moments. People can be seen holding tightly to their seats, crying out and bracing themselves as the aircraft encountered violent movement. In the recordings, panicked voices repeat variations of the fear-filled message: “We are falling, we will die.”
“The flight itself was smooth, but things turned absolutely terrifying as soon as we began our descent. I have never in my life feared for my life like that — and my mom was with me, too.”
Storm Prevents Landing at Tunis-Carthage Airport
The aircraft attempted to land at Tunis-Carthage International Airport three times, according to Maiskaya. Each attempt took place amid difficult weather, with turbulence causing the plane to shake sharply during its approach. The repeated go-arounds added to the anxiety of passengers already worried by the storm outside.
Maiskaya said the third landing attempt was particularly alarming. She described a sudden downward movement that felt like a brief free fall, while people inside the cabin screamed and feared the worst.
“The pilot tried to land the plane at the same airport three times, flying right through a storm! We were shaken violently each time, and on the third attempt, we actually started to plummet.”
Another portion of the footage appears to capture the moment of the sudden drop. The cabin erupts in screams as passengers react to the sensation of falling. The words “we are falling, we will die” reflect the panic felt in that instant, though the crew continued to manage the aircraft through the challenging conditions.
A loud humming sound can also be heard in the videos as the plane moves through turbulent air. Maiskaya pointed to the noise in one post, asking viewers to listen closely to the sound as the aircraft encountered the storm.
Turkish Airlines Crew Diverts Flight to Enfidha-Hammamet
After the unsuccessful landing attempts, the Turkish Airlines crew made the decision to divert the flight to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport. The airport is located about 100 kilometres south of Tunis and provided a safer alternative after conditions at Tunis-Carthage were deemed unsuitable for landing.
The diversion brought the tense flight to a safe end. Passengers applauded after the aircraft landed, expressing relief following the difficult descent and repeated aborted approaches. For those on board, the safe arrival came after moments when the fear of “we are falling, we will die” had spread through the cabin.
“We made it through safely, perhaps thanks to the Turkish Airlines pilots.”
Abandoning a landing approach is a normal safety procedure when pilots face weather conditions that could make a touchdown unsafe. Strong winds, reduced visibility, thunderstorms and turbulence can all affect an approach. A go-around or diversion allows the crew to avoid unnecessary risk and seek a runway or airport with more manageable conditions.
Although an unexpected diversion can inconvenience travellers and delay their arrival, the decision places safety first. In this case, the crew’s choice to continue to Enfidha-Hammamet ensured that the passengers reached the ground safely after a deeply unsettling experience.
FAQ: Turkish Airlines Flight Diversion in Tunisia
Why did the Turkish Airlines flight not land in Tunis?
The aircraft was unable to land at Tunis-Carthage International Airport because of stormy weather and severe turbulence during its approach. Pilots made three landing attempts before diverting to another airport.
Where did the Turkish Airlines flight land safely?
The flight diverted to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, located around 100 kilometres south of Tunis.
Are repeated landing attempts normal during bad weather?
Yes. Pilots may discontinue an approach if wind, visibility or turbulence does not allow a safe landing. They can attempt another approach, wait for conditions to improve or divert to an alternate airport.
What should passengers do during severe turbulence?
Passengers should remain seated whenever possible, keep their seatbelts fastened and follow the instructions of the cabin crew. Turbulence can feel alarming, but flight crews are trained to respond to changing weather conditions and make safety-based decisions.