17 Year Old SOLO STUDENT PILOT Loses Wheel on Takeoff

A True Story. 17 year old student pilot Maggie Taraska took off from Beverly Regional Airport on what was to be her very first solo cross country flight. Immediately after takeoff Maggie was informed by the Tower Controller that she had lost her right main wheel on the Piper Warrior she was flying.
This video recreates Maggie's flight using Microsoft Flight Simulator and the actual recorded Air Traffic Control communications courtesy of LiveATC.net.

[@hiramstwin2690]

Thanks for reminding me that it is up to me to get me through "this". Great work, Maggie. So powerful to hear the real audio. The emotions and the shifts in confidence are sobering and despite not having ever been in that scenario... still felt so familiar. Life is a trip. Blessings to Maggie and all who had her back that day. Another quality video, love this channel. 💚

[@FSMaNiA]

@Hiram's Twin Thank you very much for the kind words. These true stories where the human spirit triumphs really touch me. I'm glad to be able to share it! Best regards, Tim

[@hiramstwin2690]

@@FSMaNiA Tim is your name, then. You help a lot of people, Tim. You are a helpful and productive person. Thanks again. Please keep up the great work. There are a lot of entertaining videos out here. Not many are "touching". You fill a void. Stay healthy and well. Keep showing off the unsung heroes and know that you are distributing pure magic to those who need it. Kudos, Tim. 💚 You are appreciated. 🤝

[@FSMaNiA]

I really appreciate the encouragement. Stay tuned for much more!

[@irisfields1659]

@@FSMaNiA great job maggie

[@irisfields1659]

Awesome maggie😀😄🙏👩‍🦰prayers all the way Captain Maggie 🙏

[@chrishaan5766]

Let’s not forget the woman in the tower She was instrumental as well She heard Maggie’s voice break and her Mama Bear instinct took over Along with the instructors there was professionalism throughout Maggie was in good hands👍 Well done to all of you!!!!!! Maggie you should be VERY proud of yourself !!!

[@hippy1002]

I love the tower woman too

[@Hooch737]

In military aviaton we say “you never leave your wingman “. That tower controller conveyed that calmness and reassurance to Maggie in a matter of moments. Big well done 👍🏻

[@JoelEverettComposer]

The woman in the ATC was wonderful and a blessing.

[@markjones4997]

To have a young pilots life in your hands has to shake you up . Incredible job to all who got Maggie down safely

[@pegatheetoo1437]

The controller acted like a 911 dispatcher. Cool & calming! Job well done! Bless her!

[@geoffreyharbinson2488]

I love how she changes once she is talking to her Flight Instructor. He changed the Emergency into what seemed like just another Flight Lesson and she reacted accordingly. Very strong Instructor

[@airlinepilotonewheelguy2800]

I was just thinking how fortunate she was to have a such a seasoned instructor. Imagine if it were one of those 21-year-old timebuilders with 275 hours, ink still wet on the CFI certificate.

[@laprepper]

That first “okay” makes me cry every time. We’re all so proud of this brave and talented young lady!

[@Kidraver555]

Brave and talented? she was breaking down like a stupid child, wtf.

[@jamesallen278]

I cried too.

[@Coffeeology]

@@jamesallen278 *hands you tissues*

[@blindbrad4719]

You should go back and re listen to the first time she says solo. That's the one that got me

[@pammerle1691]

Me too...I wonder if she has like her Dad or anyone at this airport that is knowing what has happened because they would be freaking 😢😢😢

[@mellanieb2416]

And a big thank you to the Waco pilot for noticing she dropped the main right gear on takeoff. All pilots should watch the plane ahead just in case. Kudos to Waco pilot... Mellanie Boone

[@mmason9836]

I had a boyfriend that had a pilot's license. I know we would watch the plane ahead take off. Not only for their safety but ours so we would not hit anything on the runway if something fell off the plane ahead of ours.

[@GolldLining]

What is a Waco pilot ?

[@davyt0247]

@@GolldLining the Waco is the plane that was waiting to take off behind her who saw the wheel drop and called it in immediately.

[@Rayq007]

Her voice at the beginning when she replied back saying "ok" was heartbreaking. I'm so glad she was able to overcome her anxiety and focus on what she needed to do. Fly the plane

[@iemranjuffri4827]

She held her calm until control told her they're getting some people to help her. That triggered her sense of danger.

[@doug36549]

@@iemranjuffri4827 h

[@SisterKiwi42]

@@iemranjuffri4827 I'm guessing from her response "Yeah?" to ATC that she'd heard the Waco pilot communication and realised he was talking about her, so she was already distressed.

[@iemranjuffri4827]

@@SisterKiwi42 If someone tells you that you need help, the underlying message is that you're in trouble or you're incapable of doing this on your own. That surely is not a happy message for you I think. She ran through her mind that she had to land the plane safely despite her 'unpreparedness for this situation". She went through theoretically what to do (in another video) but had not had any actual practise of such a landing.

[@nolanmcleod2619]

That ATC did such a good job being that motherly voice she needed to hear. She was still a little girl at the time but I guarantee she can take on anything now like a woman. She'll have nerves of steel for the rest of her life.

[@finalapproach]

What truly saved her was the Waco pilot actually looking and taking notice of the wheel coming off in the first place. Great job everyone involved. Oh, and the animation in this video is awesome, too.

[@lindahuie3998]

Good work all around!

[@douglasives3636]

0000000

[@stevek8829]

If she never knew, she would have landed normally and the same thing would have happened.

[@Rayq007]

@@stevek8829 maybe, but the unexpected pull to the right may have caused her to flip the plane.

[@davesteadman1226]

Animation is ok except for the awful parts where the "camera" is above and behind the plane and it looks like she's 5 feet off the ground. Should have deleted this.

[@mrcoffee70]

That frightened little okay she utters still tears me up. Longer she flew, you can hear her clam down. Awesome job by her and everyone that helped her.

[@jnormanton]

Me too.

[@phoenixrising4573]

Anytime you can extend an emergency that's life/death and have time to get over the first shock, you increase your likelihood of survival exponentially. She had the fuel, she had the help, and she definitely has the ability

[@frocat5163]

That young woman deserves all kinds of credit. As pilots, we're trained to handle emergencies...but many of us never have a _real_ emergency to deal with. To be hit with something like this as a student would be absolutely terrifying. So, again, all kinds of credit to Maggie for remembering her training and doing what she had to do. I have to hand it to her instructor(s), too. They did a great job preparing Maggie!

[@UNCRLS]

I swear it man, that "okay" on 4:28 break me in half

[@ronseaberg2262]

@@frocat5163 Yes... Absolutely great points - certainly one for the great stories and success files ...

[@hippy1002]

Five days later, she solos again. I love this girl (not that way) Good courage.. and the way the ATC talked her through this.. First class !!

[@shaunolinger964]

As a father to a strong capable little 10 year old, I feel the fear, courage and pride of this young lady. It's not flying a plane, but my kiddo paddling a 14 ft kayak in sub-freezing temperatures was no less scared and no less susceptible to dying if she screwed up. We launched into 36° air/34° water, and within an hour had ice dripping off our paddles and deck gear. The end result, 9 weeks later and 90 miles paddled, she earned that carbon fiber paddle from me. I showed her this incident years ago, and again today. She understands that courage is not doing something without fear... it is doing it DESPITE the fear... working through the fear and stress, and doing it as she's been taught to do it. All these years later and Maggie is still being a good example to people of all ages.

[@XrpAndy]

@@shaunolinger964 you are a great father

[@shaunolinger964]

@@XrpAndy well thank you! She makes it easy... she's a great kid.

[@gregd6706]

Creepy comment.

[@TheCormTube]

That she didn't let this experience put a stop or even a hold on her flying is a real testiment to her character.

[@salerapy]

How the controller's tone changed when she heard Maggie's voice breaking is so heartwarming. Everybody did a stellar job. Special mention to soon-to-be captain Maggie

[@staystrong8966]

Instant Mom mode.

[@Tommy2Touch]

The cries in her voice make you just wanna reach out and hug her into a safe landing. What a smart young woman she must be, God bless her!

[@Q5000]

My thoughts exactly agree sounded so scared and vulnerable you just want to hug her and comfort her. 🥺

[@ssnoc]

I felt so bad listening to her little voice scared … Great instructor giving confidence and great strength by Maggie - one hell of a way to gain experience - Bravo Maggie 👍

[@FSMaNiA]

We agree!

[@irisfields1659]

Great flying Captain Maggie

[@johnkooloos1463]

I feel the same every time I hear it I get a tear. she did great though, great effort.

[@flfagin]

@@johnkooloos1463 The “ very” and Ie Make/Model I learned on out of s ice

[@hiramstwin2690]

I hope she's still at it. Would break my heart to hear her say: "it just wasn't for me." No, rather... I hope she is in the cockpit of every plane i ever fly in. Had to watch this again, amazing account. Cheers to Maggie and FSMANIA. 👏

[@jeffshafer7269]

I’m a 60 year old non pilot and she brought tears to my eyes thinking if my daughter was in your place. Maggie is amazing.

[@terrallputnam7979]

She not only landed it, but she even saved the plane from serious damage!

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@mjeffn2]

She learned more about herself during those ten circuits in the pattern than she likely will in any single future event in her life. She knows that she is a brave person that can deal with difficult situations by keeping her wits about her. Well done, Maggie.

[@ubroberts5541]

Very true! Good comment.

[@mikebutler7605]

What a testament to the courage of a young pilot. Maggie, it people like you that put the wind beneath the wings of this 79 year old. What an inspiration.

[@FSMaNiA]

Agreed 100 percent!

[@juancejas6903]

As a student pilot I went through an emergency situation and that's why I know what Maggie felt. She did a great job keeping her cool and flying the plane like a pro. that defines a good pilot. Congratulations to her, her instructor and her control and emergency team. The aeronautical family present.

[@walterweigert9840]

As a former pilot my self i have to congratulate Maggie and her instructor and a very special mention to the ATC controller who kept the situation under control and gave this young pilot all the confidence she needed at the time. I had my PPL almost 40 years ago in a Piper Archer II so the Warrior looked very familiar to me. Very forgiving airplane. I have a question for anybody who can answer it: what happen to that wheel? Why did it fell off? Does any one know? A second honorable mention goes to the Waco bi-plane pilot who spotted the wheel falling off and communicate it to ATC. Otherwise Maggie would have flown up north without knowing her emergency and probably having a worst landing, so BRAVO to that Waco pilot! After knowing this kind of stories I always think to myself pilots, aviators and the rest of either GA or Commercial personnel involved are a very special brotherhood. Cheers to everyone from NE Patagonia, Argentina.

[@FSMaNiA]

@Walter Weigert I have seen several other incidents of Piper Warriors, Cherokees, and Cessna 172's losing a wheel or strut. This is the only incident I'm aware of that involved a student pilot. I'm speculating the Cherokees, Warriors, and C172's are frequently used for training aircraft which means they are subject to a fair amount of hard landings. I'm not surprised to see some of them have issues with landing gear. Thanks for the comment and best regards from the USA! Tim

[@walterweigert9840]

@@FSMaNiA Thank you Tim for your kind words. There is no surprise trainers have rough landings, but shoulden´t they be more thoroughly inspected by maintence? Cheers!

[@FSMaNiA]

@Walter Weigert I think the aging fleet is looked over very well during the required annual inspections but hairline cracks may be missed during routine pre-flight inspections. In 2018 a Piper Arrow at Embry Riddle lost a wing in flight due to metal fatigue. I would much rather lose a wheel than a wing. Cheers

[@Max50ww]

Walter, There is no such thing as "former pilots" Just pilot's that are not current!

[@timgarris3406]

@@Max50ww Truth!

[@robertharris669]

Nerves of steel. I am not sure I could have stayed as calm as her. Awesome job.

[@irisfields1659]

I couldn't have

[@billkaldem5099]

That lady ATC deserves a major reward. She was Incredible

[@billkaldem5099]

She does deserve that

[@jocohobo1949]

My daughter just blessed me with a baby granddaughter about 6 weeks ago. I am not ashamed to say that hearing the fear in this young lady's voice just crushed this new grandpa's heart. So much thanks to all that "held her hand" through this and brought her safely back to her own Gramps.

[@FSMaNiA]

Congratulations!!!

[@bubbacole1657]

Great job by the Air Traffic Controller gal and the instructor. You made it safe for Maggie to land safely. You all are awesome!!

[@melodiefrances3898]

Poor kid sounds so shaky at the beginning, but the controller and the instructor do SUCH a good job of talking her through her fear. You can hear her sounding less and less scared. Really nice to see something with a totally good ending. 😊❤️

[@larrybutler8948]

I have watched this about ten times in last 3 to 4 years and I still tear up when I hear the stress in her voice. I hope she is still flying and enjoying it.

[@irisfields1659]

Great job now Captain Maggie

[@hippy1002]

I bet she is now a single engine commercial pilot.. or rated IFR.. and I promise you all this. NO WAY she will EVER be anything but thorough on a pre flight check

[@irisfields1659]

Awesome 👌 Captain Maggie 🙏🏻💯

[@irisfields1659]

Fantastic Captain 💟

[@irisfields1659]

Captain zMaggir you did a great job.we r prourd of you✈good for you smile u did it captain

[@PsychoKat90]

Brava, Maggie! She handled the situation so well, and luckily her instructor and atc were both great support and comfort!

[@FSMaNiA]

Totally!

[@disturbed4733]

@@FSMaNiA It was remarkable how her voice changed the moment she heard John's, her instructors, voice.

[@timgarris3406]

@@disturbed4733 I noticed that also. I don’t think she felt quite as alone with his familiar coaching.

[@jonathankral6787]

I come back and watch this every now and then just as a great reminder of what people are capable of...I cry every time and I just love this experience...everyone involved did a stellar job here! (Except for the guy that put that damn wheel on the plane lol) ...one thing that really gets me is at the very end just after the instructor tells her to power down and get clear, you can hear other area pilots telling her “great job” and “excellent job.” You know every pilot in that area was watching this thing unfold with white knuckles and remembering their first solos...I mean DAMN! How proud of your daughter could you be??? Her parents must have been beside themselves but I bet her dad never stops talking about it lol-I know I wouldn’t.

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@PeterArnold1969]

I was tearing up a little bit as I was hearing her nervous, quivering voice. It was so good that Maggie was able to regain her composure, and listen to all the instructions to help get her down safely. Well done, Maggie! Well done to everyone else involved.

[@hippy1002]

What Maggie actually did was amazing and unusual. God bless the tower woman for talking her out of that fear.. Maggie started out rather frightened, but courage is her overcoming that and doing it in less than an hour. but I am sure it seemed like 4 hours.. to her. She gets my vote for teenager of the decade

[@liliiavoevodina6245]

ahhh...this made me cry....I could picture her sitting there getting so much support yet all on her own! Well done Maggie, great job! And well done everyone who was the part of this story. I remember once flying back from a solo navigation flight I got to land in a crosswind which was way higher than any I experienced before and how my entire body was just not allowing the nerves to take over. And then after landing I relaxed and realised what had just happen and it was like "shit man how did I manage to keep calm"..... I wouldn't be surprised if Maggie felt the same and actually got really scared after she landed and was all safe )))))

[@TheCybrKnyf]

Wow - Mad respect to John for the calm voice he supplied both during training and during this event, and to Maggie who handles pressure better than anyone I've heard of. Way to go, both of you!

[@airlinepilotonewheelguy2800]

It truly cannot be overstated how valuable John was on that radio. And during training, as you said.

[@vermin1970]

That moment when every guy listening to her becomes a dad

[@billkaldem5099]

Exactly

[@thatfeeble-mindedboy]

And without hesitation walk through fire to help her …

[@ms.inspiration385]

While harrowing, that was amazing work by Maggie & her instructor. The Air Traffic Controller was very impressive as well. I know her parents were proud of her. Great video!

[@FSMaNiA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

I wonder if her parents ever let her fly again?! 🤔🥰

[@jonathankral6787]

@@donaldholderdoc2910 I bet they couldn’t stop her if they tried. A broken plane couldn’t stop her😉 this girl is the real deal, woe betide the creature that steps in her way.

[@janwitkowsky8787]

Can't help but sit with tears in my eyes after that second "okay" from Maggies. I can hear that she's scared. I know that panicked feeling, when your mind is racing. Hat's off to the lady in the tower, for keeping her cool and a special thanks to the Waco pilot, for if he hadn't said anything, Maggie's solo flight would have been much worse. Instructor was great, he knew his student and he knew what he was doing. And when i heard the two unknowns saying "Great job, Maggie." I couldn't help but feel how tense the moment must have been, even for onlookers.

[@irisfields1659]

Maggie I'll fly with you any ⏲️ ✈️🛩😇😅hurrah

[@ronseaberg2262]

Tense ? ... absolutely Right ... Blessings to all ...

[@marvindebot3264]

ATC lady went into mamma bear mode the second of that first OK came thru.

[@marvindebot3264]

If that first "OK" didn't melt you then you ain't human. Good job young lady, I think that flight can be signed off on as a roaring success. BTW, her parents were at the airport, can you imagine what they were going thru?

[@TBPollock]

Spent the beginning of the video with tears in my eyes, at the sound of her small frightened voice. As she calmed down so did I. Great outcome, we all love happy endings.

[@carabela125]

That would be a tense situation for any pilot. Well done. Hope she becomes an airline captain.

[@juliaweber212]

Especially first flight on her own

[@integral]

Maggie handled the situation so well and I'm so impressed with how the people in the tower handled a tough situation, frequently encouraging her and repeating she should handle it like a normal landing. Such a great job.

[@cliffontheroad]

Having listened to the audio portion three days ago, I knew the outcome but still felt the emotion of the pilot each time she spoke. She did good. He did good. Maybe that is not praise enough. Even ATC gets a thumbs up

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

The professionalism of everyone involved is staggering. Maggie had great instructors and joined these pros, albeit under fire. I found there were times I was not breathing.

[@dash8brj]

I like many others really felt for Maggie in the first circuit or two - she sounded terrified. Who would keep their cool in a situation like that. I too was terrified when I took my first solo let alone cross country and I had a perfectly good plane! Well done Maggie, your a champ!

[@melissamitchell5328]

I was in tears for her. I felt her fear, determination, and strength. What a victorious event. So proud of her accomplishment with no horrible outcome.

[@scottybear6265]

This Young lady had me in tears the first time I seen this video and I must say I would fly with you any day of the week I'm so impressed with her keeping it together and listening to her instructor who did a fantastic job getting her back on the ground. It was the belief and faith I heard in your voice that touched me the most. Keep flying young woman your going to do just fine. Your a good pilot and had professional people around you all the time. LT S. Angove CAP air search and rescue.

[@rmmarch285]

0:28 brought a tear to my eye. Hat's off to the other pilot that first noticed her strut and wheel fall off

[@FSMaNiA]

Agreed! Thanks much, Tim

[@robgee7788]

That WACO pilot and his situational awareness really saved the day.

[@jeanponce2017]

I applaud everyone who prepared for her to land the plane. The instructor who assisted her in with the landing deserves a promotion. Maggie if you read this you made your parents and everyone who saw this proud. You stayed brave and your level headed thinking on approach and courage safely landed the plane. Some day a top airline will come calling for you to pilot their airliners. That might be a landing that you discuss in class and possibly practice on a simulator but you successfully landed it in a real life situation while trying your first solo. You didn't get to see Maine (yet) but you gained experience and confidence in your obvious skills that you couldn't get in 10 solo trips. Well I know who I want piloting my trip if I ever charter a flight. Great job Maggie

[@HarrowKrodarius]

I mean the Instructor she had was already the Chief Instructor so I guess he was already the big guy.

[@OldNavyAirdale]

I was scared to death for this poor girl on her first cross-country solo... kudos for the excellent flying and landing, great job to John for helping talk her down.

[@arunmehta4025]

17 year old girl trainee pilot flying all alone and a wheel falls off....is indeed a nightmare for her.Her trembling voice tells it all.She was beautifully calmed by ground control,reassured and complimented to boost her morale and secure her, to then guided by trainer who knew the plane and student,...nice V presentation with real audio.

[@scottwhitworth2023]

Poor baby. I felt so bad for her. She was so scared. Found myself wanting to give her a hug. She will no doubt be a truly great pilot and instructor some day. Dodging the bullet emboldens people. Now she is acutely aware of what to do in an emergency situation. All the best to her .

[@peterimmerath1147]

The sound of her voice breaks every pilot's heart. Everyone knows that one second, when you realize what 's happening now. If you give up, you and perhaps others will die. If you get your head under control, or have a good soul at your side, you can do it. The rest is just manual work. Pilot Greetings from good old Germany.

[@FSMaNiA]

Thanks for your comments and greetings from the USA!

[@talos2373]

My God she didn't sound panicked and was so in control of her emotions. Great job Maggie and the persons guiding her through all this.

[@hollystiener16]

she had so much support. And without it, she would not have held it together.

[@T-Law.]

@@hollystiener16 she would have. Survival instinct always kicks in strong.

[@hollystiener16]

@@T-Law. no, not always. people panic all the time.

[@danzydan2479]

@@hollystiener16 True, but next time she is in trouble, she knows she can hold it together. Support or not. :)

[@mary-patroberts5523]

Fantastic co-ordinating everyone. That young brave voice tugs at a Mom’s heart. She deserves her pilots licence as soon as she lands. The rest of her flying should be a snap.❤

[@ronoconnor8971]

I spent more time on pre flight as a student, testing fuel ports and smelling the tester each time, looking for bird nests, checking rivets and hinges. This is a good thing to learn, but a wheel coming off is really something unexpected.

[@billolsen4360]

The owner of that plane should have their whole fleet inspected frequently.

[@79roller]

Wow! What a trooper! It reminds me of my late wife's favorite saying as she struggled with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, "Women are like tea leaves, you don't know how strong they are until they're in hot water". So true! Congratulations, Maggie!

[@mpowers6653]

Admired her courage and Air Traffic controller’s strength helped her out to navigate her way around where she can landed the plane to safety…

[@ryanbesco8067]

The aviation industry consistently exhibits incredibly professional communication. Every time I watch one of these videos I notice...

[@theway3058]

So proud of this young lady. She has gained an incredible amount of experience with this challenge.

[@myrcjourney6714]

I lost my vacuum pump and all my instruments during my solo cross country so I can relate. However all I had to do was call ATC for help. She definitely did well.

[@whatidahell8398]

This made my hands sweat and even watered my eyes a little. Very mature 17 year old.

[@SEODad]

100% That Waco pilot was the 2nd unknown voice at the end. That gave me chills. Dude saved her life. Excellent job by all parties. Nice work Maggie!

[@peterbrown1025]

Fantastic young lady.....may the angels always fly with you

[@maryinyang7437]

I love you Maggie, l have 3 grandchildren 11years old, 20 years old and 8 years they must surely watch this video 👍👏

[@leebenton7920]

Way 2 go girl. Could hear her nervousness at first. But when the instructor cam on, her confidence came right back. WAY TO GO GIRL!!!

[@drumcrazy72]

Well done Maggie and everyone involved. It took a team to land that aircraft, and one diligent pilot to report the gear cutting loose on takeoff. I’d buy you all a beer :)

[@ben1NZL]

I've watched this so many times I know almost every word she says verbatim. Well done Maggie!

[@miked7745]

What a great production you made. Her voice at 4:27 hit me like a brick. I'm very pleased that she regained her composure and with the help from ground was able to aviate, navigate and communicate. She's got some story to tell now when she hangs out in local airports.

[@FSMaNiA]

Thank you very much! Best regards, Tim

[@jonathankral6787]

I don’t remember the last time I saw a situation where literally everyone did everything right the whole time...if any one of them had been an inch worse, who knows what could’ve happened...the Waco pilot, the tower woman keeping a sober tone, this unbelievable flight instructor and a young girl straight up made of steel! A beautiful aspect of this is when she starts responding with her call sign and giving feedback like “roger, looking for traffic.” That’s the training overcoming the fear before your eyes. She had time to calm down and reached for what she knew, and every little thing she did clicked her mind back into the right zone. Just a purely beautiful thing. And the icing on the cake is the last transmissions you here I think are area pilots that were watching it play out saying “great job.” that’s the world I wanna live in.

[@KaossTrojan]

When you hear her saying "Looking for traffic", she sounds much calmer than she was. She understands that there are possibly dozens of people scrambling to help her, be it best or worst case scenario. She knew she was in good hands.

[@jimdigriz3436]

When your life is on the line, you do your best. Her best is excellent

[@richardmiscavage6114]

The first couple of responses with the OKAY are heartbreaking. Sheer terror in her voice. It is awesome that ATC and the instructors calmed her down. Great job.

[@billace90]

Powerful audio. I have a young daughter and my heart was with the student pilot. Great job, Taylor!

[@robertmartin5308]

No one is panicked, including Maggie, you can be my wing man anytime.

[@SFlightline]

What a fantastic young lady!! I would be happy to have her fly me anywhere! So cool and calm, if not a little frightened at times, but her nerves didn't get to control her thought process! AND, only 17?? WOW!! Brilliant landing and one to be thoroughly proud of. 👍👍😉😉😀😀 An old instructor once gave me a piece of advice, that once there was an issue that threatened the normal flight procedures, the aircraft became the insurance company's property and they would deal with any damage that might be caused when bringing you safely back to the ground. Never forgotten that, and has been forefront in my mind on the occasions when things do not quite go to plan... The 'This is going to be expensive' thoughts never come to mind...

[@technologynewsreviews200]

Couldn't stop thinking of my daughter during this. I'm glad John the instructor was there for her.

[@ronbusby4596]

You picked a fine time to leave me loose wheel

[@airlinepilotonewheelguy2800]

That's freaking hilarious!

[@theclausenvlogs]

I cried 😢 when I first heard her "first okay". Praise God she landed safely 🙏🏽 ❤

[@somethingclever672]

I've commented before on another video but I have to mention it again, the way the ATC goes from all business tone to "this poor baby" had to be so comforting to hear come back over the radio. I'm not one to have their heart strings pulled very easily, but I damn near cry every time I hear the pilots voice crack.

[@FSMaNiA]

It definitley tugs on the heart strings which is a main reason for creating this video. I have a daughter as well and I can only imagine the level of anxiety and relief experienced during this emergency.

[@somethingclever672]

@@FSMaNiA same here, I just imagine my heathen having to have to go through something like that and it broke my heart. I'm not one to give out props that often, but that Maggie is my hero. I'm pretty sure I would have folded like an accordion under that type of pressure.

[@Bluewaave51]

Great courage of teenager and so good encouragement of flight instructor

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

A great example of how and why the training is important, and everyone here was instrumental for her safe landing. The Waco Pilot, the tower controler was keen to keep her as calm as possible. then the instructor. all did a phenomenal Job. but the most credit goes to Maggie for surpressing her fears and keeping calm enough to keep the aircraft under her control for as long as she could to get it on the ground and let the right inevitable turn go as well as it did I have to admit this old man choked up just listening to this. well done and I am so happy it worked out well for her. God Speed.

[@djf2918]

Maggie let this be a valuable lesson to you. . When you get into spot like this all you have to do is dig deep and use that confidence that's there, you just need to realize it.. God Bless you sweetie. . . Everyone's proud of you. . .

[@FSMaNiA]

So true!

[@Saguaro215]

Great job for a 17 years old maggie. What a great pilot you are and to the chief instructor guiding and all the patterns. Good job.

[@tony23810]

What a girl! well done Maggie and the people who talked her down to a successful landing after losing a wheel

[@davidgapp1457]

At some point of our lives, most of us are tested. How we respond goes a long way to determining who we are, who we will become. I wish Maggie a long, successful and joyous life.

[@davidumpleby2148]

So so proud of that young lady. Great job to instructor and pilot

[@rongray8934]

To hear her voice crack is just crushing. By 4:35 this one just wrenches your heart for this young lady. Great job Maggie! So glad she had such wonderful support on the ground. Well done to all involved.

[@sksupply]

Really well done. These type of projects take a lot of time and it was edited perfectly.

[@FSMaNiA]

Thank you kindly. I must admit I enjoy the process. Best regards, Tim

[@GengarJ]

I can understand her being nervous during her first solo flight and having a problem that can get really scary

[@LtBRS]

God bless that controller. She was exactly what was needed.

[@noelp.delarita1582]

Kudos Magie, Sir John and air controllers and team on the ground. Saving Magie was the main subject.

[@robertmcglinchey3347]

Maggie was very confident facing the cameras soon after. I listened to her a lot streamed on ATC. She’s very much about to hopefully become a young Navy pilot if it happens. An airshow had just ended, that’s why the Grumman, Waco and DC were ariund

[@ianrundle5862]

That was very well handled. The instructions were clear and calm AND she "can fly". Absolutely wonderful

[@MrTbowow]

God bless all of the people who were there for her, it's absolutely heartwarming. Great job Maggie! 🙂

[@MommaOsoIrish67]

Tell me I'm not the only one who held my breath from touch down all the way to coming to a stop! What a stellar job by everyone involved! That female controller really made such a big difference in those initial, crucial, moments. If she hadn't recognized Maggie's distress, it could have easily escalated into full panic. She heard Maggie's fear and slipped effortlessly into reassurance mode. Even through bringing another plane in to the mix(shitty of that pilot to insist crossing a student pilot in distress, being aided for emergency landing). In a similar situation, also female, first solo, front wheel lost, other pilots voluntarily called in course correction to give her plenty of time and space to land. This was beautiful to see how she was able to gather herself and respond to the instructor as if it was any other lesson. And his, "we're just going to treat it like any other landing. Except it's going to pull hard to the right " That was a perfect way to say, "You've done this before. I know you will touch down perfectly. But be prepared for a hard right pull When you do touch down" instill, reinforce confidence in prior accomplishment and treat the difference like a minor change in routine, yet have her ready to compensate for the difference too. Beautiful!

[@darrellsimpson6966]

I was a worried man. Such a relief to see this brave girl safely on land.

[@janstruck3976]

When she first learned she lost a wheel she sounded scared but she took charge of that plane and landed like a boss Great job Maggie and the air traffic control personal great job❤

[@uavvidography2760]

Absolutely beautifully inspiring, I clapped when Maggie had landed, everyone is a hero in this, thank you for posting

[@jamesburns2232]

The wheel falling off seems a little bit "staged" to me. I worked on airplanes all my life and was never so careless that I didn't put a cotter pin to lock the nut holding on the wheels. 🤔

[@farmerbill6855]

Half the landing gear came off with it. Everyone's an expert.

[@chrismalcheski9232]

To keep her head on straight through all this, overcome by fear and still thinking clearly ... what an inspiration.

[@peterbamford2811]

Brave intelligent girl listening and following instructions by the trainer to the letter I would fly with her anyday great job by everyone involved!

[@irisfields1659]

Captain maggie you definitely pulled it off. Hurrah for you.i was so scared and prayg for urcsafety.maggie you did it.hurrah🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✈🇺🇸😄🙏🙏🙏🙏hurrah Captain maggie E

[@tm13tube]

So good her instructor was able to talk her through.

[@louannelawson4916]

What a brave girl you are Maggie ! All the best to you for a wonderful future ahead of you. The instructor was terrific how he talked Maggie down & calmed her nerves, a great man he is. 👍 🇦🇺

[@yellowdeer7163]

17 year old just grew up fast. What a landing.