Student Pilot's Flight Becomes Her WORST Nightmare!

[@billythekid3234]

Maggie has continued flying after this incident in 2018. If you want to see her and hear her own words about this there is a video put out by FS Mania on YT. I'm so proud of her and all the folks who made a great landing possible. Maggie fly high and follow your dreams young lady. This took place on her first solo cross country flight. TY Hoover for the heart felt kob on this amazing video!

[@buruzn09]

The person who called in the lost landing gear, the controller who snapped into action when she realized there was a problem and even more when she realized the pilot was a young solo student, the instructors who helped the pilot remain calm and talked her through what needed to be done, and, of course, the young pilot who was clearly terrified and fought off understandable panic to rise to the occasion… every single person involved should be incredibly proud of their actions here. The pilot is a rockstar, but everybody deserves a ton of praise.

[@jul8803]

Hearing her youthful voice gradually moving away from panic to restored confidence was so adorable and heart-melting, especially for dads out there.

[@MtHoodMikeZ]

No kidding. You could feel her fear - who wouldn’t be scared in her situation? But she held it together, and her voice reflected it. Awesome job by all involved!

[@Cappilot1]

Youre not kidding. As a pilot dad and my daughter is a pilot too, Its killing me to hear this.

[@wallstbull1]

Just thinking the same thing

[@arthurpearson3407]

I was an instructor for her instructorJohn when he was going through his primary training. He was a very good student and worked at the same flight school when he got his CFI. I’m not surprised that he was able to keep her calm and focused and help her bring this to a safe conclusion.

[@Relayer56]

Maggie’s first couple of “okays” almost brought a tear to my eye. The way she held it together was fantastic. Loved the happy ending. Thanks for posting great videos!

[@scrillaofficial1435]

Im glad I wasn't the onlt one 😢

[@Doc_Anderson01]

Same

[@mikoto7693]

Nah, I got tears in my eyes too. I’m so glad she got down safely.

[@TheSturgoenfish]

Not almost for me. Someone was cutting onions. I just had a daughter and I intend on teaching her to fly. “Can I circle back to land” broke my heart.

[@tbscotty813]

Shut up! I'm not crying - you are! ;-) Probably one of the most stressful experiences of her life, but I'm sure that handling it like she did is going to give her a confidence boost in her abilities as a pilot.

[@crazypete3759]

17 years old, solo flight, emergency after takeoff... she handled it so much better than some "adults" handle a parking dispute. We need more people like Maggie!

[@johnseth97]

Very rarely do you see people have meltdowns over aircraft emergencies, it's quite a bit different when losing control of your emotions can get you killed

[@crazypete3759]

@@johnseth97 but driving a 6000 pound 4 wheeled missile is not dangerous? Many people have been killed because they can't act rationally on the roads

[@johnseth97]

@@crazypete3759 your original comparison was between someone arguing over a parking spot and someone in the sky with no option to just park and walk away from the incident.

[@crazypete3759]

@@johnseth97 at the end of last year Gary Parohinog kicked in Edith Rivas door and shot her in front of her kids. All this was over an earlier argument for a parking spot

[@johnseth97]

@@crazypete3759 how is this relevant to my response though?

[@russbroda7207]

Pilots voice gets noticeably calmer once her instructor is on the radio to her.

[@desmit6]

Tower controller went right into Mama Bear mode when she realized what was going on… great job to her too

[@mikoto7693]

Yeah that brought out her inner protective mother instincts. I’m so glad that the student pilot was able to land safely.

[@gartrek28]

That's what I was thinking. ❤

[@denisearmbruster7478]

AGREED!! BRAVO! KUDOS TO ALL INVOLVED!!!👍👍❤❤

[@terryetienne1709]

First solo in a low wing airplane?

[@SpicyTexan64]

Just stop. I've never seen any woman go into mama bear mode. It's almost always men who come to the rescue

[@MrRamziaB]

That woman went from Controller to Mom with the flip of a switch! Great job to her! and to Maggie!!!

[@tomjoad1363]

She probably is.

[@doilysimpkin6972]

I've heard this probably 5 or 6 times now and every time I hear Maggie's first frightened "okay" it hits me so hard in the feels.

[@maddi.o]

Same!!!!!🥺🥺🥺

[@1STLAR2147]

Actually choked me up a bit listening to the fear in her voice. Great job young lady!

[@justy256]

The moment John talks to Maggie you can hear her her (relatively) relax. So comforting to hear.

[@MrTakeYoBitsh]

Man her little voice breaking will make a grown man shed a tear.

[@kawboy14]

True. Me. 😢

[@henryphillips-ve1lg]

Very very good

[@nope5481]

It did

[@feez357]

Like Hank Hill and his friends say, "yep".

[@stellajayne]

Me too. It's her terror that's so heartbreaking.

[@aja9469]

We all need an Instructor like John, and the ATC controller is obviously one of the best.

[@HenrikRewes]

As a pilot you read thousands of incident and crash reports over the years. You see videos and hear communication playbacks. All to prevent repeating mistakes. The knowledge acumulates but honestly you get a little numb to potential disasters. This one how ever got me. My eyes full of tears and my heart full of happiness. Hope I'll perform that well if I ever have to face a test like that.

[@LewisTheFly888]

Mate. I think we all teared up. Her vulnerability was echoed in her voice. Poor darling. Great result

[@g60force]

@@LewisTheFly888 those 2 'okay' were hitting my heart-string DEEPLY had to punch a wall to feel manly again.... to my neighbours if they read this I AM OK !

[@muhammadsteinberg]

OH BOY!...My heart sank hearing the fear in her voice! In 40yrs of flying I had three near death experiences (two engine failures and an unforcasted nighttime Imc in a vfr only 172). All three ended with wheels down on a runway. This poor child took on this situation like a champ. Don't know her, but I'm still so proud of her.

[@markhumphrey8894]

She did great!. I wonder if she thought "I'm safest right here in the air knowing the landing could be the catastrophe". I'd been freaking out more than her I'm sure. What a trooper. She's going to be a good pilot and will check her tires twice before take off.

[@mschuurm52]

It's so awesome that the the pilot of the Waco plane waiting to take off saw the wheel come off her plane. If he hadn't seen it, she would have continued her cross country flight to the other airport. All the while not knowing she had a missing wheel. So fortunate he saw it come off!!!

[@gwenjenkins155]

That's a "YaHWaH thing"! HalleluYaH!

[@markn.3813]

Wow. The level of professionalism, encouragement, and the empathy shown by all involved was amazing. Great team effort.

[@LewisTheFly888]

Brilliant

[@AceOne1130]

I dont know the first thing about flying a plane but, the comunication from everybody in the tower and the campassion they had to help her and her exectuiting something that i imagine would be terrifying, was absolutely phenomenal. Way to go everybody. This was a good watch!

[@FLHTdriver]

Once her instructor came on the radio you can hear her calm down and start to settle in to the situation. What a great young pilot and her instructor is great in his support and guidance. I wish these types of videos were available when I started to fly in the 1970's.

[@greenbeenie2]

Kudos to the ATC LADY. she did a wonderful job helping this young pilot student.

[@TheFox808]

Maggie just passed her one wheel landing endorsement

[@g60force]

*Achievement UNLOCKED*

[@TheCaptnHammer]

I’m a 45 year old career park ranger who prides myself on being tough in the outdoors. I’m over here tearing up at hearing her voice and how well everyone supported her. Kudos y’all! ❤

[@ohnoZomBri]

Thank you for protecting our parks!

[@ragnargrabson1287]

The team effort kept the girl from crashing - great work!

[@briant7265]

The change in her voice when John gets on the radio is amazing.

[@mikeaudio]

Gosh. Every time I hear this audio clip, my literally start crying when I hear her voice saying “ok”. SOO heartbreaking ❤😢

[@rickcuban322]

Me too every time I hear it I start too tear up too

[@benignsage]

Wow! Our daughters are so strong and brave! What a great coordination between the tower, instructor, and pilot. As a father, I cannot express how proud I am of everyone!

[@googleisshittoss]

You can tell how speaking to her instructor (as you pointed out) changes her emotional responses, and she becomes more confident

[@phillipwalker8018]

I've heard this several times now and each time, what amazes me is the transition of the young pilot as she goes from being fearful to confident. Her first response is heartbreaking, but she continues to fly the plane and maintains situational awareness enough to gauge whether she's high or low with regard to her approach. Her being able to relay that information to the instructor allowed him to adviser her on the necessary adjustments to assure as safe a landing as possible. Kudos to the wonderful lady in the control tower and the instructor for being there to help make that happen.

[@realtalkwithreese9331]

This video definitely made me emotional hearing the panic in this young ladies voice. Thank God for the folks that saved the day and this young ladies life.

[@mannyedwards2820]

I have two young daughters of my own. I've listened to this recording dozens of times on several channels, and every time it makes me tear up and want to give Maggie a hug.

[@srf2112]

As a parent my heart was breaking for her but she was a warrior. Never doubted her.

[@pamelaremel7477]

And she was maggie-nificent!

[@donf3739]

I like how instructor John avoided the words "emergency equipment".

[@sunnyscott4876]

As another person said: the ATC lady was amazing when she went from professional ATC to mom mode. She was smart and knew exactly what this young lady needed in a crisis situation.

[@seriously195]

I truly hope Maggie sticks with flying. She did an AWESOME job as well as the high level of professionalism from the tower and training personnel in getting her home.

[@judebrad]

You can really hear her coming together once she has her ground assistance talking her down. Great work.

[@WiscoKnight0806]

She held herself together better than I would've! Glad for the happy ending.

[@HondoSauce]

Hearing her weeping “I’m okay” definitely brought a tear to my eye. As the father of a 15 YO daughter who I’m trying to get into aviation, this hits. Wheel fell off? Ugh

[@LewisTheFly888]

Yeah. Me too. Touching

[@paulazemeckis7835]

She wasn't weeping. She was startled and absorbing assessimg her situation. Her voice was strained when speaking. Time to let go of those gender-based stereo types.

[@57Jimmy]

@@paulazemeckis7835 WOKEAIR has landed!🙄

[@maskcollector6949]

Implying that weeping is gender based is the definition of gender bias. You should be more careful about your associations.

[@betsyj59]

@@paulazemeckis7835 Her voice was trembling exactly the way human voices do when on the edge of breaking into tears and trying to not to.

[@billybud9557]

My solo cross country has remained in my mind for many years.....as a stressful challenge, and a great accomplishment. Kudos to this girl.

[@cowprez]

Fantastic job Maggie to stay calm in a VERY tense situation. Congrats to the instructors in keeping her calm and on focus. GREAT video.

[@pilot-debrief]

Thanks!

[@amd77j]

Amen!

[@schnitzelforce3404]

Hey Hoover, here's a student pilot from Germany with his first few solos and I just wanted to tell you that I love your channel! Really makes me to think about appropiate risk management when I'm flying....many thanks!

[@Ozbird-72]

This is what the aviation community is all about... Learning and communication

[@thatguyalex2835]

Agreed. I am not a pilot or aviator, but enjoy this channel, and am glad that Maggie is safe. In my mid-20s, I would have gone into total panic mode. The student handled this scenario well, especially with the support of the ATC controller and her instructor.

[@FranssensM]

Wow that girl sounded terrified when they first got in touch. She could have lost it right there. The people in the tower were able to shore up her confidence.

[@elamentri]

Maggie you sky queen! I've seen this covered in other videos and my heart went out to her when she replied to the first radio call informing her of the issue, she did an amazing job and can be damn proud for her efforts. Marvelous flying given the circumstances, she's so brave and kept her cool. Maggie on the off chance you're reading this, brilliant work, you're a damn legend

[@Boodieman72]

You can hear the controller switch from ATC mode to mother mode. Just imagine you are John and you get that call.

[@Coffeeology]

When Maggie said "Okay" I think EVERY PARENT's heart broke a little.

[@Boodieman72]

@@Coffeeology Not just parents.

[@BlackDogII]

Just a person's Tone of speech can be a Life saver.

[@Matt-mo8sl]

17 year old Maggie was on her way to Portland, ME. from Beverly, MA.. It's a beautiful 68nm flight. She stayed calm and didn't get dead. The controller and the instructors all did a superb job of helping Maggie get down safe but Maggie, in the end, was the PIC and it was up to her to save herself and she did just that. The airplane did sustain damage to the right wing as it was pierced by a runway light but the airplane was repaired and was back in service in not a lot of time. After that ordeal, if I was Maggie's dad, I'm taking EVERYBODY involved in that day out to dinner.

[@brunomelli4679]

..."but the airplane was repaired "... Hopefully not by the same crew who serviced the landing gear originally!

[@davidoverstreet6900]

I have never in my life heard anyone as terrified as this poor girl. Heartbreaking.

[@alexg3348]

Well done to the ATC lady, the instructor and the young pilot; she did great! Phew! 👍👍👌👌🎉🎉

[@misfittoytower]

Geez...hearing that girl's voice after being told of the problem made my eyes water. 😢

[@riptide6161]

I remember watching this incident a while back and I was nearly crying while listening to the fear in this young lady pilot's voice. Just heartbreaking. John (her CFI) was crucial for her confidence and he did an awesome job getting her back to earth without injury. Everyone, including the pilot, Maggie, did such a great job here. Kudos to ALL of you!!!

[@quads4life1]

As a Dad to three daughters, it was crushing to hear the fear in her voice. I'm going to call my daughters now. Great debrief!

[@myfourbits6901]

This was a fantastic episode! I was right therewith the pilot and the instructor ad the act! Still trying to wipe the tears of joy from my eyes!

[@jimmyhaley727]

why fly if you are not prepared to fly/land

[@philbirk]

One of my favorite aviation stories. Everybody involved did a great job.

[@jgreenberg]

As an instructor the initial moments of this are pure nightmare fuel. All you can do is pray the students have absorbed everything you taught them and get themselves to safety. I've had one pre checkride PPL student handle a birdstrike expertly but the initial call he made caused my blood to run cold. When he landed I ran straight out to him once he got shutdown. Seeing him hop out of that plane and start to laugh was one of the best feelings I ever had. John, Greg, the controller and most importantly Maggie were all magnificent.

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

The fear in her voice when they first told her is heart wrenching. Luckily she turned into a superstar

[@HobbitHomes263]

man you could sure hear the confidence surge back into her voice when she heard her instructor !

[@lancechristy2595]

I cry every time I watch this amazing congratulations young lady

[@mercdragons]

This girl can say she has does something 99% of pilots have never done.

[@redtarget5275]

Land?

[@mrsevelync6900]

@@redtarget5275 No 😐 landing WITHOUT half of their landing gear, duh!

[@chadzeedyk2463]

@@mrsevelync6900 Math is hard

[@Stinking82]

​@@chadzeedyk2463 so is comprehension it seems.

[@chadzeedyk2463]

@@Stinking82 please tell me how 1/3=1/2

[@kirknewton100]

Maggie. My hero. Well done everyone involved but especially to Maggie. Am sure this young girl will go on to have a great flying career.

[@FrankyGee3]

Hoover, I love your debriefs. You are so respectful of those lost in accidents, your analysis of events is wonderfully thorough, and your humility and professionalism in a sea of would-be experts is beyond refreshing. Your fairness and objectivity are outstanding. That you are so thorough with this while balancing the demands of a job, a family, and (can't leave this out) dogs, is such a testament to your commitment to better flying and saving lives. Kudos, sir, and thank you.

[@Automalice]

Maggie did such an incredible job. She pulled it together - I’m not sure mort of us in that position would be able to do that! Kudos to the controller. She realised Maggie was freaking out and talked to her in simple terms, more like a human than a robot ❤

[@kevinquinn1993]

Nice debrief. I thought it was a really good idea to make the student pilot aware that there's going to be emergency vehicles present so that she wouldn't be surprised by that and thrown off her game. I thought everyone did a great job of helping her through what could have been a bad ending. Kudos to the student pilot, having her sense of humor intact probably helped her. Having her own instructor on the horn I'm sure was invaluable. I'm really enjoying your Channel. Keep up the good work!

[@ztoob8898]

Tower controller did a great job. As soon as she learned the pilot's situation, she changed her tone from businesslike to reassuring and calming. That, and calling turns to the student to cut her workload. 10/10.

[@guymerritt4860]

Man, I've heard these radio calls before and they're hard to hear - she sounds terrified out of her mind. Bless that poor kid.

[@Nina-tc9gw]

Such a brave and smart young lady! Bravo!!!

[@RipRoaringGarage]

"Father-mode activated" Was the comment on VASAviation regarding Maggie's flight. Still brings out that instinct hearing her today. Its one of those stories that has the best kind of ending.

[@coolzworldd]

Aww she’s so sweet so glad she was okay 😭

[@vickiesims1600]

I teared up listening to this conversation. I noticed how her voice got. calmer once she was talking to John. What great people---the instructors and the tower control.

[@triciabyrne7761]

Could hear the concern in her voice settle when she heard her instructors voice. Beautiful! 💚💛🧡

[@robinwells8879]

Another example of the best that humanity can be from all parties. God bless them all. ❤

[@Coops777]

I've just begun my instructing career, so this video immediately drew my attention and empathy for all concerned. We can all remember just how nervous we felt doing our first solos, but to then add an aircraft malfunction, it would been terrifying for this young lady. I couldn't hold back the tears when I heard her frightened voice. Well done to Maggie, the controller and instructors on a great outcome. Thanks for a great video Hoover.

[@bobrose7900]

Listening to her makes your eyes water.... but what a star. And ATC were wonderful, praise where it's due....

[@AndrewGrey22]

I get teared up every time I listen to this.

[@2fishes-q5h]

Spot on break down, as usual Hoover. I remember the anxiety as my first solo was due. My daughters are adults now but I survived through all the emotional highs and lows. Maggie has a great future ahead whatever the circumstance holds.

[@louierivera7512]

This is how it’s supposed to be, everyone looking out for each other! ❤

[@paulis7319]

Every pilot has some sort of "horror story" to tell from their Solo Pilot days, but hers is gonna be the talk of the pilot lounge for years to come! I bet her confidence level shot through the roof after this and she's gonna be one badass pilot!

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

Howard Stern did a great job with this student pilot.

[@jmizzonini]

lol underrated comment

[@kdawson020279]

Now that you said that, I can't avoid hearing it 😂

[@nadogrl]

😂😂😂

[@rya7642]

I knew I recognized that voice

[@DavidJones-sd2mo]

Could’ve sworn it was Ray Romano.

[@colinreece3452]

I was rooting for Maggie all the way, her voice is so sweet I bet she is in real life, so glad she made it, what a girl. Also thanks to John, Greg and the ATC lady too, great job.

[@wmrieker]

ATC Lady = Mary 1

[@VenomousCamel]

I've heard this story several times now, and it never gets easier to listen to. Kudos to everyone involved!

[@jdjeep98]

Wow! That poor girl's initial "OK" just broke my heart!

[@CorvettePredator]

Being the father of a daughter hearing this poor girls voice broke my heart. What in the 🤬 is up with maintenance of this aircraft? This isn’t a normal occurrence for a wheel to just fall off!… ugh

[@scarybaldguy]

Piper issued a mandatory service bulletin on all PA28 main gear shortly before this incident. Now I'm not saying this was a MIF, but I'm not *not* saying it either.

[@lawrencequave7361]

As a pilot myself, I'm much impressed with how professional (calm and collected) EVERYONE (especially the young pilot) conducted themselves during this event. Non-pilots might wonder why the pilot didn't immediately 'come unglued'. Because new pilots, from their VERY first flight, are taught NOT to 'come unglued' when ANYTHING happens, EVER; i.e., panic NEVER helps. This video well demonstrates how important that is. Congrats, young lady. Write up your own report, and permanently keep it attached to your log book.

[@helmerkappert5152]

Loved all the support she got from all involved. Including you with a perfect debriefing!

[@robot_spider]

My son is in Texas right now getting his Private license. He is scheduled to solo this week. I'm fine with all of that, his instruction has been excellent so far and he has taken to it like he was born to do it. What really makes me nervous is that solo cross-country. No reason it should be any different, and I know his instructors won't sign off on it until he's ready. But that's the only part of this that gets my heartrate going. Love the support and guidance Maggie got from the tower and the instructors.

[@LambroSteve]

This hits hard - made me so sad hearing her say “can I circle back”

[@freddan6fly]

Great work Maggie and Tower and her instructor.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Maggie will have a great story to tell her kids and grandkids. Plus, it's recorded in thousands of places all over the Internet. Maybe her descendants hundreds of years into the future will be listening to it.

[@suthernbella]

Good job, Maggie! My heart was beating so fast just listening to this. I can’t imagine her fear though we had a glimpse. So glad it went well!

[@tectorama]

I've listened to this several times, they all did a fantastic job.

[@socialistcatdad]

God damn those first couple radio calls nearly made me cry

[@Cappilot1]

That's tough to listen too without tearing up as I have a daughter that flys too. So proud of this young lady and would love to meet her! Awesome job!!

[@bluevette2230]

God Bless Maggie and all that assisted her; awesome job Maggie !

[@shantilus]

I think her transition back to using her aircraft designation brought her strength, it allows the training to come to to the top of mind. When she strayed away from the basics of using good radio communication, the fear began to take over. I hope instructors remind their students of these little details.

[@larrynoe6162]

Great tower participation. Maggie did an awesome job. She started out a little quiet and nervous but her skills she learned and her doing the most important job of flying the airplane. She will make a great pilot. Not sure what I would have done.

[@johndeer4250]

this is one of the most emotional videos sitting on the edge of the chair the whole time! you can feel the emotions🥺 what an ending 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@JimPaloAlto]

The controller, the first instructor, Maggie's regular teacher John, and Maggie all performed heroically. Very inspiring!

[@washburnb1]

That is equal to a thousand hours experience. Nothing will scare her again.

[@bradgardner9564]

Man hearing her voice made my heart drop!!!!

[@dandunlap8638]

I’ve seen this story on other channels. What a great job by the controller to keep her calm.

[@mschwage]

Very powerful debrief to listen to on Mother’s Day. I can only image the hug she got when she can home and told her parents about it.

[@jacobross8480]

Ah man poor kid. She must have been terrified but great job keeping it together and sticking the landing! Her scared voice just about got me though