Several years ago, Dutch pilot Narine Melkumjan found herself in a harrowing situation when the canopy of her Extra 330LX aircraft suddenly burst open and shattered mid-flight.
Melkumjan, who was on only her second aerobatic training flight, managed to steer the small plane to a safe landing despite the terrifying circumstances.
Video footage shared by Melkumjan on social media depicted the intense struggle she faced as powerful winds rushed into the cockpit, causing noise, breathing difficulties, and impairing visibility. Recounting the ordeal, Melkumjan wrote that it took nearly 28 hours for her vision to fully recover after the flight.
Throughout the crisis, Melkumjan remembered her instructor’s advice to “just keep flying,” which proved invaluable in maintaining control during the emergency.
Reflecting on the incident, she admitted that proper pre-flight checks, particularly inspecting the canopy latch, could have prevented the mishap.
Additionally, Melkumjan noted that flying shortly after recovering from COVID-19, without allowing her body adequate time to regain strength, exacerbated the challenges she faced.
In sharing the footage, Melkumjan aimed to offer a “cautionary tale” to her fellow pilots, underscoring the critical importance of thorough pre-flight inspections and ensuring physical readiness before taking to the skies.
Despite the adversity, Melkumjan’s skillful piloting and calm demeanor under pressure were instrumental in ensuring her safety and that of any potential passengers. Her ability to bring the aircraft down safely stands as a testament to her professionalism and quick thinking during a potentially life-threatening situation.
