Exclusive footage has emerged capturing a white-knuckle moment at one of the world's busiest airports, as a commercial airliner was forced to execute a dramatic aborted landing amidst the fury of Storm Amy.
The video, shot from the ground near Heathrow Airport, shows the aircraft battling severe crosswinds estimated at nearly 60 miles per hour. Just feet from the tarmac, the pilots made the critical decision to initiate a 'go-around' procedure, applying full thrust to climb away from the perilous approach.
A Battle Against the Elements
Storm Amy, sweeping across the UK, brought with it a barrage of disruptive weather. At Heathrow, the conditions created a notorious phenomenon known as 'wind shear' – a sudden, drastic change in wind speed and direction that poses extreme danger during landing attempts.
In the clip, the plane can be seen swaying violently, its wings tilting from side to side as the pilot fights to maintain alignment with the runway. The roar of the engines surging to full power signals the abort, a standard but nerve-wracking safety protocol.
The Skill of the Crew
Aviation experts were quick to praise the crew's actions. 'This is a textbook example of a well-executed missed approach,' commented a former British Airways pilot. 'The decision to go around is never taken lightly, but it is the absolute correct procedure when conditions become unstable. It showcases exceptional training and airmanship.'
Passengers on board would have experienced a sudden climb and a period of circling before a second, successful landing attempt was made once the aircraft had been refueled and the situation reassessed.
Travel Chaos Across the UK
The incident was not isolated. Storm Amy's arrival triggered widespread travel disruption nationwide. Dozens of flights were delayed or cancelled, while rail services faced speed restrictions and fallen trees blocked major roadways.
The Met Office had issued yellow weather warnings for wind, urging the public to be cautious of potential damage to buildings and travel delays. This event at Heathrow stands as a stark reminder of the immense power of nature and the sophisticated safety systems in place to combat it.
The resilience of both machine and crew ultimately ensured that what was a heart-stopping moment ended as a testament to modern aviation safety, with all passengers and crew landing safely.
