Thread: Near disaster at Wellington NZ airport opening, three times.

What a great video!

I was aware of the Vulcan incident, but not the others.

In an earlier time in my life I flew a Cessna 206 into Wellington on many occasions to deliver passengers to Air New Zealand - sometimes when it was closed to Fokker Friendship operations due to the crosswind. Not a big issue for the C206 because the wind was strong enough to allow me to land safely on a diagonal across the runway to reduce the cross-wind component.

Generally worked out fine, but after one such landing I had to request ground assistance to taxi off the runway, because the aeroplane kept weathercocking into wind.

Screen shot of a landie

I am reminded of my first visit to Wellington. I was a business class passenger in a Qantas 747SP. As soon as the wheels hit the tarmac it was full reverse thrust and (auto) braking - and an improperly secured coffee pot from the galley shot the full length of the aisle to strike the cockpit door!

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I am reminded of my first visit to Wellington. I was a business class passenger in a Qantas 747SP. As soon as the wheels hit the tarmac it was full reverse thrust and (auto) braking - and an improperly secured coffee pot from the galley shot the full length of the aisle to strike the cockpit door!

At least the carts were secure

Almost as scary as the flight deck door slamming open on takeoff Either is a 'check undies' moment from a startle-factor perspective