For Alexander’s bravery and exceptional piloting skills, the Ukrainian president awarded Akopov the Order of Courage of Ukraine. This prestigious honor highlights the significance of his actions and the profound impact they had.
Alexander Akopov became famous last week after he successfully blind-landed a commercial airliner that was severely damaged by an unexpected hailstorm.
On a flight with 121 passengers and six crew members from Istanbul to Ecran, Cyprus, an Atlasglobal Airlines pilot crashed into a storm that was missed by weather radar.
Hail shattered the windshield and ground the plane’s nose to a pulp. The plane’s autopilot became unresponsive, making conditions even worse.
Although all pilots undergo instrument flight training, few have had to use their skills in such demanding conditions.
At Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport, Akopov safely made an emergency landing by turning the plane around. The president of his adopted Ukrainian nation was so moved by his story that he teamed up with Akopov to present him with the Ukrainian Order of Courage.
This heroic incident serves as a reminder of the professionalism and dedication of pilots around the world. Their extensive training and unwavering commitment to passenger safety enable them to handle unexpected challenges and protect lives in critical situations.
Please take a moment to appreciate and share this amazing story and feel free to leave a comment to share your thoughts on Alexander Akopov’s remarkable landing.
If you respect pilots like Alexander Akopov, please like and share this video. Please share your thoughts on his landing in a Facebook note.