In a bizarre incident, a cargo plane was forced to turn back to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) after a horse escaped from its stall. The incident occurred on November 9, 2023, when a Boeing 747 operated by charter airline Air Atlanta Icelandic was en route from New York to Liege, Belgium.
Unexpected Turn of Events
According to air traffic control audio obtained by YouTube channel “You Can See ATC,” the horse broke free from its stall within 30 minutes of takeoff. The crew reported the incident to air traffic control and indicated that they needed to return to JFK as they were unable to recapture the horse.
Safe Landing and Tragic Outcome
The plane landed safely at JFK, and emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Unfortunately, due to the extent of the injuries it sustained in the incident, the horse had to be euthanized.
Investigating the Cause
The cause of the incident is still under investigation, but it is believed that the horse may have been spooked by something during takeoff. This is not the first time that an animal has escaped on a plane. In 2017, a dog escaped from its crate on a United Airlines flight and caused chaos before being recaptured.
Potential Contributing Factors
There are a number of factors that may have contributed to the incident. One possibility is that the horse was not properly secured in its stall. It is also possible that the stall itself was not designed to withstand the forces of takeoff and landing.
Another possibility is that the horse was not properly sedated for the flight. Horses are often given tranquilizers before being transported by air to help them remain calm and prevent them from injuring themselves or others. However, if the dose of tranquilizer is not correct, the horse may become agitated or disoriented.
Preventing Future Escapes
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent future incidents involving animals escaping on planes. One important step is to ensure that all animals are properly secured in their stalls. This includes using strong tie-downs and making sure that the stalls are designed to withstand the forces of takeoff and landing.
It is also important to properly sedate animals before they are transported by air. This should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian to ensure that the horse is given the correct dose of tranquilizer.
Finally, it is important for airlines to have a plan in place in case an animal does escape. This plan should include procedures for recapture, as well as procedures for euthanizing the animal if it is injured or poses a safety risk.
Importance of Animal Welfare in Air Transportation
The incident involving the horse escaping on the cargo plane is a reminder of the importance of animal welfare in air transportation. Airlines must take all necessary steps to ensure that animals are transported safely and humanely. This includes providing proper training for staff, using appropriate equipment, and following strict safety protocols.
By taking these steps, airlines can help to prevent future incidents and ensure that animals are transported safely and humanely.