An Ordinary Takeoff Turns into Every Pilot's Nightmare (With Real Audio)

Find out how a Boeing 747 and a Boeing 737 were sent on a collision course at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Illinois.
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This video has been recorded and edited in 4K resolution and 60FPS.

[@soopaman2]

United Captain is a boss. He quickly assessed the situation and took the best course available to him, knowing if either choice went wrong it would be disastrous. Much love to this channel for showcasing this.

[@orientalgirl8926]

The United pilot's reaction and answers show what a great master soul he is. He saved so many lifes.

[@DanK123]

With just seconds to think. Legend.

[@Ebro777]

10:43 the united airlines really said dont worry we got him this pilot handled it like a boss

[@davidryan6441]

The Most Incredible Thing about This Whole incident are The Words "Don't Worry About It" The United Pilot Can Fly Me Anywhere, He is Amazing. Another Great Flight Channel Vid By The Way.

[@kahuna_eht]

“Don’t worry, we got him”. Massive respect for this guy!!! Hat’s off!!!!

[@ralphholiman7401]

I'm amazed at how calm these pilots are when inches from death. Controller: Stop! Stop! Pilot: Don't worry, we got it.

[@roszitataib9566]

😂

[@unocualqu1era]

"Stop stop!" Yeah, just let me instantly stop my plane from 110 knots to 0 by defying physics so that all my passengers get thrown forward, or better yet, try to brake without breaking the laws of physics, and helplessly watch the other plane get closer during my last seconds. The pilot made the right choice, it was I think the only good choice. But the fact that he was able to do so in that moment instead of panicking or even doubting for a second and then made that comment... this dude deserves several awards including guiness record for biggest balls. Knowledge and experience mean nothing if you don't have the bravery and calm to apply them in those split second decisions. He even avoided taking off too early because that could've caused a delay in gaining altitude, or the tail would've been too low and they would collide anyway if that happened. In other words, he kept accelerating towards death so that he could avoid death. 10/10 pilot

[@YourFreeBeats]

That was one cool Captain. “Don’t worry, we got this…” For me it would be one of this first you say it then you do it moments.

[@caramellocabello34]

i would have been sh*tting my pants

[@reshpeck]

Controller, seconds before impact: STOP STOP! 737 Pilot: Uhhh, OK! *Slams on the brakes, collides with 747 at 130kts* Is that what the controller was hoping to happen?

[@greywuffzfavrr6038]

@@reshpeck That he'd be able to stop before he plowed the 747 /sarc

[@fecardona]

Probably ex military

[@o2benaz]

@@fecardona More like former Navy. I wonder how big the brown stain was on the seat of the starboard First Class window passenger?

[@R8andGT3Fan]

I laughed when I heard that "Don't worry, we got him"...that's just not possible. What a terrific pilot that guy must be! I hope he gets to watch this video, and if he is: my most sincere admiration to you! 🤯🤯🤯

[@bvnseven]

the pilot will watch this and take a week's vacation in the bathroom. extremely lucky.

[@jimboyarab1072]

Yeah maybe

[@dex1lsp]

He was cool as a cucumber in a potentially deadly situation. He just stayed completely focused without any panic. Amazing!

[@348Tobico]

@@dex1lsp The training takes over when the situation is this bad. I'm just glad he is one of ours and got his training from the very best.

[@CassassinCatto]

Pilot needed the jumpseat for his balls. Astounding airmanship.

[@robertrachels1870]

The United Pilots did an OUTSTANDING JOB! Worst accidents have happened and with catastrophic results. This was MORE than LUCK! It was the experience and skill of the pilot flying that won the day! Hats off and a Salute to you Sir!

[@patogenify]

He is maverick

[@watershed44]

@Robert Rachels One of the old school pilots that knows the bottom line is "Just Fly The Plane"!

[@andrewstorm8240]

Lead to accidents

[@emilyelizabethbuchanan998]

Teneriffe comes to mind.

[@rachelleelias7737]

Great take off from the pilot. The planes didn’t touch each other or cause any damage. “Don’t worry, we got him”. Was great, he deserves a medal. I have never seen this done before 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@buttersPbutters]

It's amazing that in a tower like O'Hare, with all the modern tech like ground radar and predictive windshear, there was not a simple memory aid for the controller so they won't forget that they've cleared an aircraft for a runway. Just a push button that toggles a light could prevent a mistake like this.

[@clairewilliams9416]

That United captain was outstanding, sees a large plane venturing into his path and calmly thinks though his opinions and potential outcomes, then calmly continues heading right into the plane ahead sails right over him while replying Smoothly to panicked yells of stop, stop with ‘don’t worry we got him”. That was more than some luck that was masterful skills.

[@KSparks80]

I'm guessing he raced cars on dirt tracks, and has "When in doubt, gas it!" seared in his being somewhere. lol

[@michael9016]

It's a basic private pilot skill that planes fly better than they roll. The plane is happy in the air, let it fly. Rotating 10 knots early was probably no big deal, the pilot knows his V speeds and knew he would leave the ground, climb and not stall. These speeds are to be memorized when going for your type rating because you just never know when you will need to fudge some numbers.

[@intrstrnr]

Probably the most underrated reply to a situation in recent history, lol! "Don't worry, we got him" AKA, "yeah we know someone screwed up big time, we've already fixed it for you, relax"

[@LizLeapin1970]

Good thing he didn't actually respond instinctively to the ATC advice of STOP! STOP! It would have been my nature upon hearing that to apply brakes which would have ended in disaster.

[@wernerdanler2742]

@@LizLeapin1970 no way he could have stopped in time to avoid a catastrophic collision.

[@Coldinwis]

Holy smokes, that was some incredible piloting in the United cockpit!!

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

I think my heart stopped momentarily. Brilliant, breathtaking simulation skills on your part, capturing the intensity and potential disaster awaiting. Only one person could save the day. Wow.

[@carolinehoward180]

Hard to believe that this would happen in 2006 with all the safety protocols, yet there it is. I’d of liked to hear all the CVR for the 747 as they saw the 737 hurtling towards them. Thank goodness that disaster was diverted by the captains quick thinking and flying expertise. Thanks for another amazing upload!! 👏🖤👏🖤👏

[@YourFreeBeats]

I’ve never understood the concept of intersecting runways. Obviously there is a reason for it (and assume it’s budget-related rather than strategic) but who knows.

[@captainminecraftist]

@@YourFreeBeats well even if they are parallel if the place they need to park is on the other side of a runway they still gonna have to cross to get to their gate

[@jameswells9749]

@@YourFreeBeats good point, in my opinion they shouldn’t have them, if that happened once, it will happen again and maybe there won’t be any luck.

[@bandiswa1592]

Well said man 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

[@lvl10cooking]

It happens a lot more than you’d think, I listened to ATC transmissions for 2 incidents last night.

[@davidnavarro4821]

I’ve never heard of that incident before! I remember seeing back in 2008 some NTSB animated videos about avoided collisions but this one was not recreated. Kudos to the United pilots who kept their cool and managed to save 131 lives! Can’t imagine what would’ve happened if it was a foggy night! This could’ve been a second Tenerife!

[@UndercoverMZ]

I just had to watch this on a big screen and it's even more amazing! TFC, your videos were already high quality, yet you keep on evolving! The pilot is badass. Both planes passengers must've been crying in relief.

[@NoewerrATall]

The United captain has ice water in his veins. Absolutely the right stuff!

[@marybarry2230]

"Don't worry we got him" Coolest. Pilot. Ever.

[@verifiedgentlemanbug]

Yah bro damn so cool bro like that scene came out fresh from the movie bro! 🤣for real!, A badass Captain flying like a boss damn!

[@KillerFuzzball]

"Don't worry, we got him" That United captain was cold as ice hahaha

[@spiritmatter1553]

Peak Iceman. 🧊

[@prakashayyasamy5509]

I just want to appreciate the United airlines pilot, what an situational awareness he has, within seconds he saved numerous lives and two air crafts ❤️❤️❤️

[@shariys1]

That United pilot was a damn hero. Any commendations for him?

[@timothylegg]

A kitchen cabinet full of miniature liquor bottles, no doubt.

[@typoqueen5417]

Omg! That was a close call! HUGE sigh of relief - glad they didn't collide!

[@robm3074]

I am sure when that United flight arrived in Denver the pilots had to make a stop at the dry cleaners to have their pants cleaned.. Very skilled airmen.

[@YourFreeBeats]

First you say it then you do it moment….but that Captain was calm AF.

[@carolyndee4565]

My heart was pounding. I was holding my breath waiting for an accident. The pilot did an amazing job taking off when he did! A hero in my eyes. The people who put this video together did an incredible job!

[@dennismalabed2394]

Wow! Just wow! I was on the edge of my seat watching this. Incredible pilot and another amazing re-enactment video again, TFC!

[@carlbettis5882]

Don’t worry, we got him = legend, to act so calmly in such circumstances, class sir class

[@droneshotsantoine1805]

This reminds me of the deadliest accident in aviation history, the Tenerife Airport Disaster in 1977.. Something similar happened there, but with 583 fatalities as a result. It just could have turned out differently.

[@balaviswanathanv2379]

Yea. But Tenerife was due to technical error in combination with caption of KLM who was rude to avoid the FE's question and refueling to its maximum to weight

[@foxtrot312]

And too much arrogance to ask clearance for take off

[@AEMoreira81]

ATC was at fault there too. They wanted the Pan Am 747 to make two 148 degree turns...the second would likely have caused major problems.

[@Bennjammin]

That captain seemed pretty calm after taking off. I imagine I would have been sick to my stomach, nerves too shot to fly.

[@mawmawvee]

He had to do what he did, or die and take a plane full of people with them. Thankfully, he was at a speed where he could lift off early.

[@mawmawvee]

I worked at a veterinary hospital for years and learned that training takes over because when there is an emergency, it has to be handled and no one wants to lose a patient, so you do what you do. You can fall apart later on, when everything has been taken care of. You don't just give up when things look dire.

[@bluebearbank247]

"Miracle at O'Hare," and we don't even know the name of captain who even had a savage mic-drop words. By the way, worth multiple camera angle replays for this one!

[@wolfofwacker4578]

I’m sure it’s been said but if this was a larger plane taking off like a 777 or Airbus A380 I am guessing it would not have had time to get off the ground like the 737 did. I’ve lived 9 miles from ORD for 23 years and every time I drive by it which is often it amazes me how massive it is almost like it’s own city. The sheer complexities to operate it on a daily basis boggle my mind.

[@abradic]

If...if the United captain didn't need more time, if they were holding short instead of sitting on the runway, if the controller delayed response by 5-10 seconds...the most amazing aspect of this to me is how everything lined up so perfectly. I mean dead center of the intersection and tail in the way. Insane how it timed up.

[@gailpeterson3747]

"Don't worry, we got him." Nerves of steel and amazing decision making and piloting prevented this potential catastrophic runway incursion. Respect!!

[@dianericciardistewart2224]

Wow. . . a little too close for comfort, but Kudos to the UA Captain for being alert! His professionalism saved the day on this one!! Excellent re-creation and graphics!! Thanks!! 💕✈✈💕

[@terryhughes7349]

This is clearly heroic stuff. They are lucky to have a good crew watching out for them.

[@marynamurray9385]

Your video's are absolutely amazing! So happy this incident ended well for all!

[@aurorealis3249]

I was flying on an American Airlines MD 80 from Denver to O'Hare when a Swiss DC10 landed just after we did. Both planes landed on runways that intersected. As I looked out the first seat of the first class section window, I could see we were going to collide. The Swiss DC10 (being the larger aircraft) could not divert or reduce landing speed while the MD 80 was brought to an abrupt and full reverse stop with extremely hard breaking to avoid the collision with the DC10. O'Hare is a very dangerous airport with these intersecting runways. It appears that the pilots are required to perform the work of ATC's because incompetence and inattention. Excellent recreation with written narrative.

[@tinnedtuna8242]

The United pilot's name is Scott Stoops. It was actually a pilot on the 747 who said "Don't worry, we got him." Obviously they didn't grasp what was happening. Awesome video.

[@Skacorica]

"commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor at the age of 18. He specialized in tail wheel, instrument, and aerobatic instruction. While working full time as a flight instructor, glider tow pilot, and cargo pilot, Scott completed his college degree." Guy is a badass

[@karyncremeens9376]

737 - “ don’t worry we got him”. 747 - “don’t worry about it.”

[@dwmzmm]

Damn!! I felt my own heartbeat accelerate during that United Airline's takeoff! Great production on this incident Flight Channel!

[@Stevel_]

Holy hell. Can you imagine being a passenger on the united flight and seeing a 747 pass below you as you are taking off?

[@jessquiatchon2204]

From the passenger perspective of united they wouldn't be able to see the aircraft infront and below them. It was much more scarier to be on the crossing plane seeing an aircraft speeding towards you while you're looking at the window.

[@SteliosRcdrift]

Reminds of Tenerife collision but different situation,captain is a hero!!great video!

[@kaalgede]

Hats off to pilot

[@privatepilot4064]

Typical cool-headed professional pilot, “Don’t worry, we got him”. Smart move on the pilot to continue the take off. He knew he was committed and made the best of a bad situation.

[@karansyal9667]

Excellent simulation and thank you for sharing! I am glad that the Atlas "Giant" was not on the take off roll and had to "rotate" early to clear the 737.

[@surimi7283]

Awesome video, thank you TFC! Informative as always, this is the first time I hear of this near-miss. I watched a Chicago O'Hare stream today again after a long time, with a number of cargo 747s landing, only to find a new TFC video update featuring one more 747 for good measure. ^ ^

[@gilessb]

Wow, that 737 pilot must have had ice in his veins - amazing.

[@richbrake9910]

"We got him". awesome....one of the best examples of correct evasive action in aeronautical history.

[@jiaconis]

This totally reminds me of the KLA/Pan Am 1977 Disaster in the Canary Islands; without the Disaster component! Kudos to the United Express Pilot for outstanding airmanship! There but for the grace of God...

[@angelbulldog4934]

Really enjoy the "nothing but the facts, ma'am" presentation. Graphics are stunning. Info is straightforward. Beautifully curated channel. Thank you. The effort doesn't go unnoticed.

[@sharipuckett6923]

Woah! That would have spelled disaster! You pilots handled it well! Whoo!

[@YourFreeBeats]

This just goes to show how anything can happen at any moment.

[@RLTtizME]

No matter where you go...you will always be there.

[@takeontravel9076]

This would be Tenerife all over again.

[@mawmawvee]

That's life, though...

[@hiddengem9742]

Fun fact:Working for the airlines the most near misses are when the plane is on the ground.

[@HellenicWolf]

BOSSMAN PILOT COOL UNDER PRESSURE... HATS OFF TO HIM.

[@mefonthecloud6430]

the courage he has to accelerate the engine. brave and a very smart judgement.

[@courtney1496]

Watching this while on a flight to Seattle, what could possibly go wrong? 🙃

[@waynejohnson1304]

I hope you don't crash. If you do, it was nice knowing you. :)

[@kellen3041]

Be sure to watch out for the left phalange

[@clarsach29]

you'll be fine. the only time i have ever flown into SeaTac was years ago on a domestic flight from O'Hare (having connected from a flight from the UK). We got to around Montana in our MD80 then did a steep bank and a full 360 turn back...turned out a generator had failed and we had to divert back to Minneapolis and wait 7 hours for another plane and crew to take us to Seattle.....we got there, but at 2am next day instead of 5pm

[@lynnmartz8739]

"Watching this while on a flight..." Is that a good idea? I hope you're not sharing the screen...

[@karinajames4367]

Did you arrive safely?

[@sparkplug1018]

United pilot had nerves of steel. But panic kills, and he made the best decision, hard as it was that might save this. Good job sir.

[@houstonbalaji4768]

Text book example of making a life or death decision in the moment of a crisis! Mad respect to that United pilot!!

[@butter1435]

Amazing job by the Captain to avoid an early rotation even when seconds away from T-boning a 747. That must’ve been so tough, but he gave himself the shortest takeoff distance and still basically had zero margin. Yikes 😳

[@thegoldfam1539]

Goosebumps again wow just wow !!! What an amazing pilot was able to think of a solution in a split second !! What was yelling stop stop going to do at this point !! Hope he lost his job !!!

[@justinmix143]

Man. I just about stood up outta my seat and cheered on that one. How many souls on both those aircraft were just extremely lucky such a cool, calm, skilled badass was piloting that United 747 that night. What a hero.

[@DollarDude]

It would have been so epic if the captain got on the radio to the ATC and said "I just saved your career, you're welcome."

[@katdoc929]

This to me is right there with Capt. Sullivan w/the miracle on the Hudson! Seriously that pilot didn't have a hint of panic or doubt in his voice! He saved what like 140 "souls". Nice job!

[@pullformore]

These videos are beyond excellent. The effort that goes into creating them - the research, the painstaking attention to detail in the animations, and, above all, the accuracy - is outstanding. Thank you. You just gained a subscriber.

[@xihuantiyu]

The passengers had no idea what happened in cockpit. They literally came back alive from certain deaths. The pilot did great job

[@GQguy24]

Chicago O'Hare. My home airport. Soo cool seeing it recreated in amazing CGI like this!

[@LakotaDreams]

"Don't worry, we got him!" cue the Millennium Falcon escaping the Death Star music!

[@musicmylife8372]

10:46 That type of confidence everyone actually needs 😃

[@katkrause679]

That pilot is a rock star. Omg. Balls of steel

[@jkryanspark]

I just failed my pilot aptitude test. I would have been cursing like a drunken sailor after that close call.

[@MelomaN-Sharp]

If you find people more composure than the crew of United 1015, you will be hired by the FBI without an interview.

[@normfreilinger5655]

If that doesn’t make one pucker. The pilot taking off didn’t even flinch ! What a man ! Right when both planes ‘’intersected’’ The take off pilot says in a calm voice ‘’ Don’t worry we got’ em , as the tower is screaming abort , abort , abort take off . You couldn’t write a better story !

[@CheebiCeg9]

10:44 Controller: Stop stop stop! Me: yea like how? Press pause? Hats of to the United Airline pilot!

[@murph4873]

What amazes me is the speed with which controllers and pilots speak. Why don’t they slow down. I was in the cockpit of 747 freighter about to land in Korea. Animal attendant. Not a pilot. The tower was speaking gibberish. The pilot asked me if I understood. I didn’t so we landed anyway. Scary. It’s almost like it’s a sign of how great they are when they talk this fast. I’d be pushing them to slow down and better enunciate their words. Cause the only word i ever hear is HEAVY.

[@Carlos44]

I was always taught to look both ways before crossing a street. I would assume the same rule applies to crossing an active runway. The Atlas Air was moving slowly enough to stop. Didn't the captain look left to see if there was any traffic hurtling down the runway?

[@ZenkaiAnkoku2]

I'm not sure how good his visibility out of those windows would have been. The United was coming up from an odd angle as well. And as far as I've seen from these types of videos and ATC recordings, when you're cleared to land on a specific runway, you're expected to cross any intersecting runways unless explicitly told not to.

[@leehallsten1140]

Thank God for the United pilots and yes there is a higher power out there amen

[@kumi9479]

Pilot handled that like a boss, pretty amazing to keep his composure like that.

[@davidley7580]

Hell of a pilot

[@dianephotog1658]

How many other videos have been featured where the pilots failed to fulfill their pre-flight checks, had flight controls in the wrong positions for take-off or wrote down and inputted the wrong parameters for take-off? These guys took the time to square themselves away before takeoff so the pilot had the extra assurance he could succeed. Wonderful story, Mr. TFC and thank you for bringing us these weekly lessons.

[@elcarmi]

That captain be cold af with the “don’t worry, we got him”

[@Proxy_Ladd]

The 747 crew should of still checked the clearance of the intersecting runway since they had to cross. Monitoring the radio would have helped as well. No matter if the controller didn’t say not to hold short. Taxing still requires the pilots to check left and right to make sure everything is clear.

[@charlesjay8818]

very difficult if you look at the angle, the Atlas captain sitting on the left would not be able to see because they intersect at an angle not 90 degrees..... just my thoughts

[@Proxy_Ladd]

@@charlesjay8818 747 stopped before the intersection point and start to taxi towards the intersection at its taxi speed. I just would think they still would have checked regardless. There’s a lot of things that could have been done to prevent the incident from happening, but as we all see on this channel multiple times pilot/Atc error. Could argue that the 737 crew could have advise the 747 crew that they are rolling on the adjacent runway especially when the captain notice the 747 not slowing down approaching the intersection. Overall it is a learning experience for future pilots to be proactive rather than reactive if not necessary.

[@love2fly558]

"Don't worry, we got him." Not so much the relaxed tone and confidence, but the fact he still pressed the push-to-talk button to calm everyone else as he was smoothly rotating the airplane; was he also holding a cup of coffee in his right hand? If I were the FO, I'd be requesting every flight with this guy.

[@sherylsocia4496]

Wow! I wonder if the passengers even know what happened. Awesome job pilots!

[@Sleepingcat17]

Dude the United 1015 captain is a hero. Like people say, this man has diamond eyes and steel balls. I'm just calpping. Thx for the vid! :)

[@smith4496]

WOW!!! The captain wasn't yelling or screaming at 10:46.

[@Doing_it_right_the_first_time]

Darn good thing that the first officer who yelled “stop, stop!“ Was not the one at the controls otherwise it would’ve been a lot worse outcome because he would not have rotated in time to clear the taxiing aircraft, he would have froze in fear! The outcome in the video would’ve been a far darker result if he was the one flying!!

[@veganburrito]

yo shout out to that pilot, hope my guy got a raise that night!

[@saladfingers6710]

Gave me chills...

[@markhugo8270]

Man, I kinda wore myself out with a LONG (25 mile) bike ride today. Pushing it to avoid some rain. I got home, needed to "sit down a while" and then I found this HERO in action. "Don't worry, we got it.." Hey, this is the REAL SUPERMAN.. (Remember, "Don't worry Ma'ma, I've got you." ) That was FICTION from a hollywood film. THIS IS REAL. I like reality.

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

*If you Abort your Takeoff in that situation, your chances of hitting the other airplane increase.* *So Quick Thinking and Skill Dictates Full Power and Early Rotation to Clear the Obstacle.*

[@marcosacceleronhotwheels2806]

''dont worry, we got him'' at this point, if i was looking outside the window and saw the other plane, i would have immidiatly pooped myself

[@4bibimimi]

This is remarkably similar in setup and layout of Logan Airport in Boston where an Aer Lingus 7:47 just arriving was barely cleared by a USAir flight Bound for Philadelphia. I thought I had heard at the end they did away with the two sector runways.

[@tomsurrey2252]

"Don't worry about it!!" Hahaha... AMAZING! I have NEVER had goose bumps watching these videos, before... WOW!

[@NKLnDime]

Goot Gawd! That EXCELLENT flying avoided another Tenerife 😬😳!!

[@susannenerad9851]

Wow, that was just crazy, amazing, great pilot, I bet the people on that 747, if they saw the United coming had jaws dropped

[@annesuire758]

Amazing! so happy they did not collide! thank you god!!!!

[@coffeefire]

35 feet holy shit! Kudos to the United pilot!

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Oouufffff.... heard about this before seeing it here but the graphics you get here really put the visuals on what you already know and provide a really direct insight into just what a close shave it was. Red runway centre lights seem like a universally good idea...

[@helenafranzen9828]

This incident makes me think of Tenerife - 77. Fortunatly this pilot could see the other aircraft in time and avoided the crash, If the weather conditions were the same they would not have been so lucky. Kudos to the pilot!

[@FPInvention]

I'm scared of flying yet I still travel and I still watch these videos

[@TUBBSLARDY1]

WHOOOOOOoooosh! Boeing 747 be like 'you hear something?'

[@smuxlow1954]

I seriously almost passed out! Thanks Flight Channel… an excellent job at putting this together!

[@dobimike3745]

"don't worry we got him " .................... " give me a burger, fries and we`ll be in the Hudson "

[@ArabianOak]

Captains like, hell no, I got places to be! Fly over him and get to Denver. Lololol. Incredible!!!