Airline travel is one of the safest ways to travel, with advanced safety measures and well-trained crew. But accidents can and do happen. The thought of something going wrong mid-flight is most people’s worst nightmare, especially if it involves being sucked out of an airplane.
These are stories of people who faced that exact scenario—being sucked out of an airplane. Some survived against all odds, while others weren’t so lucky.
10. Jennifer Riordan
On April 17, 2018, aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, Jennifer Riordan experienced a catastrophe no one expects. Flying at 32,000 feet above Philadelphia, one of the jet’s engines failed, causing the window next to her to explode. The force of the explosion sucked her partially out of the aircraft.
Despite being fastened in her seat, she was pulled halfway out. Passengers heroically pulled her back inside. A witness described the horrifying scene: “There was blood on the windows… her arms were actually out of the airplane, and her head was out of the airplane.”
Sadly, Jennifer suffered fatal injuries from blunt impact trauma to her head, neck, and torso. The engine failure was attributed to a crack caused by metal fatigue.
9. Timothy Lancaster
British Airways Flight 5390, en route from Birmingham to Málaga on June 10, 1990, faced a terrifying incident. While cruising at 17,300 feet, the left windshield of the BAC 1-11-500 aircraft cracked, leading to a sudden drop in air pressure. Captain Timothy Lancaster, who had loosened his lap belt and shoulder harness, was sucked out of the cockpit as far as his waist.
With the autopilot disengaged, the plane began to descend rapidly. Flight attendant Nigel Odgen, along with other crew members, bravely grabbed Lancaster’s legs, preventing him from being completely ejected from the plane. First Officer Alastair Atchison managed to land the aircraft safely.
Lancaster survived but sustained frostbite, contusions, and fractures. The cause was determined to be incorrectly sized bolts used to secure the windshield.
8. Nigel Ogden
During the same British Airways Flight 5390 incident, flight attendant Nigel Ogden also faced being sucked out of the plane. While attempting to rescue Captain Lancaster, Ogden grabbed the pilot around the waist but found himself being pulled out as well.
Fellow flight attendant John Heward quickly reacted, grabbing Ogden’s belt and preventing both Ogden and Lancaster from being lost. Ogden recounted the horrific scene, describing Lancaster bent in a U-shape against the windows, his face battered, and his eyes wide open.
Ogden’s quick thinking and Heward’s assistance were crucial in preventing a double tragedy.
7. Clarabelle Lansing
On April 28, 1988, Aloha Airlines Flight 243 experienced a catastrophic structural failure. The roof of the first-class section ripped away mid-flight, exposing passengers to the extreme elements. Flight attendant Clarabelle Lansing was among those caught in the chaos and was sucked out of the plane.
Pilot Captain Robert Schornstheimer and First Officer Madeline Tompkins fought to maintain control of the Boeing 737, which was flying at 24,000 feet. Despite the horrific circumstances, Schornstheimer managed to land the damaged aircraft safely in Maui.
Tragically, Clarabelle Lansing’s body was never recovered. The cause of the incident was attributed to an inadequate inspection that missed a critical crack in the fuselage.
8. Elite Troops
Several members of the U.S. military’s elite forces have been unexpectedly sucked out of airplanes due to strong wind gusts. These incidents have raised concerns about the sensitivity of the T-11 reserve parachutes used by Navy SEALs, Air Force Commandos, and Army Green Berets.
In one instance, an Air Force commando disappeared over the ocean in 2019 and was never found. In 2012, Green Beret Staff Sgt. Brycen Erdody was partially sucked out of an aircraft, resulting in severe injuries. Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Bradley Cavner died in 2014 after his reserve parachute was activated by a wind gust, causing him to strike the aircraft’s door frame.
Critics argue that the parachute’s fabric ripcord is too sensitive compared to older models with metal ripcords.
5. Jumpmaster
A U.S. Army jumpmaster was sucked out of an airplane while kneeling on the ramp. The exact details of this incident are scarce but a video shows the jumpmaster being abruptly pulled from the aircraft when his reserve parachute deployed prematurely.
The force that pulled him out was similar to that caused by sudden cabin depressurization, highlighting the dangers faced by those working near open exits during flight.
4. Juliane Koepcke
Juliane Koepcke survived a plane crash in the Peruvian rainforest in December 1971. Lightning struck the aircraft, causing it to break apart mid-air. Juliane found herself falling with her seat still attached.
Despite suffering a broken collarbone and other injuries, she survived the fall into the rainforest. After wandering for six days, she encountered locals who helped her return to civilization. Tragically, her mother, who also survived the initial crash, died from her injuries several days later.
Juliane’s story is one of incredible resilience and survival against overwhelming odds.
3. First Officer Xu
On May 14, 2018, Sichuan Airlines Flight 8633 experienced a harrowing incident when the right windshield cracked and then burst open. First Officer Xu Ruichen was partially sucked out of the cockpit, colliding with the controls and causing the aircraft to veer.
Captain Liu Chuanjian heroically regained control and managed to land the plane safely, though the tires burst upon landing. Xu suffered abrasions, a minor eye injury, and a sprained wrist. The crew’s quick actions and the captain’s skill prevented a major disaster.
The incident was likely caused by a damaged windshield seal that allowed heat to build up inside the glass.
2. Nine Passengers
On February 24, 1989, United Airlines Flight 811 experienced a catastrophic failure when a cargo door malfunctioned, causing explosive decompression. Nine passengers were sucked out of the aircraft through a large hole in the side.
Lynoor Birrell, a passenger on the flight, recounted hearing a “low, growling, grinding noise” before seeing that the overhead baggage racks and TV projectors were gone. The seats in rows 8-10 had disappeared along with the passengers who had been sitting in them.
The accident was attributed to a damaged locking mechanism on the cargo door, highlighting critical maintenance and safety oversights.
1. Dozens of Passengers
On May 8, 2003, a Russian Ilyushin 76 was flying over the Democratic Republic of Congo when its rear door burst open, causing dozens of Congolese soldiers to be sucked out of the aircraft.
The sudden depressurization led to chaos, and many passengers were unable to hold on. The exact number of casualties was difficult to determine due to the nature of the flight—a modified cargo plane with few seats, where passengers were crammed among belongings.
This incident underscores the risks associated with unregulated air travel and unsafe aircraft modifications.
Conclusion
These ten stories highlight the terrifying reality of being sucked out of an airplane. From mechanical failures to structural defects and unforeseen circumstances, these incidents serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers of air travel and the importance of stringent safety measures.
Whether through heroic actions or sheer luck, some survived against all odds, while others tragically lost their lives. Each story underscores the fragility of human life in the face of aviation disasters.
What are your thoughts on these incredible survival stories? Share your comments below!
