

# Cargo Plane Returns to JFK After Horse Escapes Mid-Flight

On November 9, an unexpected incident occurred on a Boeing 747 cargo flight operated by **Air Atlanta Icelandic**. The plane, which was en route from **John F. Kennedy International Airport** (JFK) to Liege, Belgium, had to make an abrupt return to JFK after a horse escaped from its stall in the cargo hold (1,2,3,4,5).

## The Incident

Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the crew discovered that a horse had broken free from its stall. The pilots promptly contacted **Air Traffic Control** in Boston to report the situation and requested permission to return to JFK (1,2,3,4,5). 

> "We have a live animal, horse onboard the plane, and the horse managed to escape the stall," the pilot was quoted saying (5).

## The Return and Landing

Due to the weight of the aircraft, the plane had to dump approximately 20 tonnes of fuel over the Atlantic Ocean before it could safely land (1,2,3,4). 

> "We don't have a problem as of flying-wise, but we need to return ... back to New York. We cannot get the horse back secured," the pilot informed air traffic control (5).

Upon landing, the pilot requested the assistance of a veterinarian for the horse, which was described as being "in difficulty" (1,2,3,4,6). 

## The Aftermath

Following the diversion, the flight was able to depart again and successfully arrived in Liege, albeit three hours behind schedule (3,4). The specific details surrounding the horse's escape remain unclear, and Air Atlanta Icelandic has not provided any additional comments on the incident (1,2,6).

## Perspective and Bias

The reporting of this incident has been largely factual across different news outlets, with no significant bias or strong opinions evident. The incident was described in a straightforward manner, focusing on the events that transpired and the actions taken by the pilots and crew. 

However, the New York Post added a dramatic tone to the incident, using phrases like "night-mare at 30,0000 feet" and "circus in the sky" (6). This could be seen as an attempt to sensationalize the event, a common tactic in media to attract readership.

## Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, even in the cargo hold. It also highlights the importance of proper animal handling and containment during flights. As for the escaped horse, it is hoped that it received the necessary care and attention upon landing. The incident could potentially lead to a review of animal transportation protocols on cargo flights to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

<h1>Cargo Plane Returns to JFK After Horse Escapes Mid-Flight</h1>
<p>On November 9, an unexpected incident occurred on a Boeing 747 cargo flight operated by <strong>Air Atlanta Icelandic</strong>. The plane, which was en route from <strong>John F. Kennedy International Airport</strong> (JFK) to Liege, Belgium, had to make an abrupt return to JFK after a horse escaped from its stall in the cargo hold (1,2,3,4,5).</p>
<h2>The Incident</h2>
<p>Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the crew discovered that a horse had broken free from its stall. The pilots promptly contacted <strong>Air Traffic Control</strong> in Boston to report the situation and requested permission to return to JFK (1,2,3,4,5).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We have a live animal, horse onboard the plane, and the horse managed to escape the stall," the pilot was quoted saying (5).</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>The Return and Landing</h2>
<p>Due to the weight of the aircraft, the plane had to dump approximately 20 tonnes of fuel over the Atlantic Ocean before it could safely land (1,2,3,4).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We don't have a problem as of flying-wise, but we need to return ... back to New York. We cannot get the horse back secured," the pilot informed air traffic control (5).</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Upon landing, the pilot requested the assistance of a veterinarian for the horse, which was described as being "in difficulty" (1,2,3,4,6).</p>
<h2>The Aftermath</h2>
<p>Following the diversion, the flight was able to depart again and successfully arrived in Liege, albeit three hours behind schedule (3,4). The specific details surrounding the horse's escape remain unclear, and Air Atlanta Icelandic has not provided any additional comments on the incident (1,2,6).</p>
<h2>Perspective and Bias</h2>
<p>The reporting of this incident has been largely factual across different news outlets, with no significant bias or strong opinions evident. The incident was described in a straightforward manner, focusing on the events that transpired and the actions taken by the pilots and crew.</p>
<p>However, the New York Post added a dramatic tone to the incident, using phrases like "night-mare at 30,0000 feet" and "circus in the sky" (6). This could be seen as an attempt to sensationalize the event, a common tactic in media to attract readership.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, even in the cargo hold. It also highlights the importance of proper animal handling and containment during flights. As for the escaped horse, it is hoped that it received the necessary care and attention upon landing. The incident could potentially lead to a review of animal transportation protocols on cargo flights to prevent similar occurrences in the future.</p>


The Guardian

Horse breaks free mid-air, forcing cargo plane’s return to New York

Plane turns back to JFK after horse escapes on board

News Nation

Watch: Horse gets loose in plane cargo hold, returns to JFK

4029 News

Plane turns back to JFK Airport after horse escapes on board

Fox Business

Cargo pilot unable to rein in escaped horse on plane, forcing return flight to JFK airport

New York Post

Horse forces plane to make emergency landing after breaking free in cargo hold

JFK Airport

Air Atlanta Icelandic

Cargo Plane

Horse

Mid-Flight Incident

A cargo plane bound for Belgium had to return to JFK after a horse broke free from its stall. The plane had to dump fuel before landing.

Cargo Plane Returns to JFK After Horse Escapes Mid-Flight

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