Did you hear the one about a horse on a plane? It’s no joke – a horse really got loose on an airplane! (But be prepared for a sad ending here.)
No Horsing Around as Horse on a Plane Gets Loose
The skies can present unpredictable challenges, as evidenced by a recent incident involving a Boeing 747 flight from New York JFK to Liege, Belgium. Turbulence is an expected part of air travel. But rarely does it lead to such dramatic events as it did on November 9. That’s when a horse transported in the cargo hold broke loose, leading to an emergency turnaround and a tragic outcome.
A Flight Gone Astray
Mid-flight, passengers and crew expected a smooth journey. But the animal cargo on this particular Boeing 747 faced a terrifying ordeal. The flight, operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic, encountered unexpected turbulence that spooked one of the fifteen horses aboard.
The creature’s panic was so extreme it attempted to leap over its stall’s barrier. If you’re sensitive to animal stories that end badly, it’s best to stop reading here.
Flight Grooms and Equine Safety
Sadly, the horse’s desperate attempt to escape its confinement resulted in severe injuries. They were so bad that upon an emergency landing back at JFK, the decision was made to euthanize the animal.
Transporting horses by air is a delicate process, routinely executed with precision and care. Highly trained flight grooms are on board to manage the animals’ well-being. They ensure the animals are fed, watered, and comforted throughout the journey.
These animals are not just cargo; they are often prized performers or breeders, valued both emotionally and financially. Yet, despite the meticulous planning and precautions, nature’s unpredictability can overturn even the most thorough preparations.
However, when a horse, which can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds, becomes trapped in a position that prevents it from standing or lying down comfortably, the groom’s job transforms from caregiver to crisis manager. In this recent incident, the grooms faced an impossible task. There was no way to calm a terrified, trapped animal thousands of feet in the air.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Each incident, as regrettable as it may be, provides valuable lessons for future animal transport. Airlines, charter companies, and animal handlers continually refine their protocols to ensure that such events are rare.
The incident is a stark reminder of the complexities of combining animal transportation with commercial flight.
— WTF fun facts
Source: “Plane turns back to JFK after horse escapes on board” — CNN