Malaysia Airlines Pilot Appauded For “Crabbing” Plane Landing Technique at Heathrow

Ever wondered what it’s like to land a massive airliner in the throes of a tempestuous storm? A Malaysia Airlines pilot, Capt. Azrul Hizam recently gave us a front-row seat to a breathtaking display of aviation prowess.

During the height of Storm Darragh, which whipped up gale-force winds across the UK, the pilot of an Airbus A350-900 faced a daunting task: landing at Heathrow Airport. The storm saw wind speeds of up to 154kph in southern England, which forced many planes to undertake multiple landing attempts. To conquer the powerful crosswinds, the pilot employed a technique known as “crabbing”.

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What’s the Crabbing Technique?

Picture a crab sidestepping. That’s essentially what the plane did. The pilot angled the aircraft’s nose into the wind, keeping its wings level. This ingenious manoeuvre counteracted the wind’s force, enabling the plane to maintain a steady course and land safely.

A daring feat of aviation

Footage of this daring landing quickly took the internet by storm, with countless people marvelling at the pilot’s skill and the sheer spectacle of the manoeuvre. Some joked that it looked like the plane was landing sideways, while others heaped praise on the pilot for their calm and collected approach.

Image credit: Airbus A321XLR | Tiktok

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A testament to aviation excellence

This incredible feat is a testament to the extraordinary skill and dedication of pilots worldwide. They routinely confront challenging conditions, ensuring our safety while navigating the skies. So, the next time you board a plane, take a moment to appreciate the expertise of the crew. After all, they’re the ones who make air travel as smooth as possible, even in the face of the fiercest storms.