A curious 13-year-old boy recently undertook a perilous journey, hiding in the landing gear compartment of a plane flying from Afghanistan to India. His adventure began in Kabul, where he snuck into the airport, following other passengers to evade security. The boy, aiming for Tehran, instead found himself aboard a Kam Air flight destined for Delhi, India. According to reports from the BBC, the flight took off on September 21, unaware of its unexpected stowaway.
Upon landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the boy emerged from his hiding place. Authorities quickly detained him and conducted extensive questioning. Indian officials revealed that he had remained hidden in the aircraft’s rear landing gear compartment throughout the entire 90-minute flight. As India’s Central Industrial Security Force explained, “Upon inquiry, it turned out that he hid in the rear central landing gear compartment… He is from Kunduz city, Afghanistan.”
This incident is particularly striking given the inherent dangers faced by stowaways. Historically, survival for those who choose this risky method of travel is rare. A report by The New York Times found that between 1947 and 2014, of the 105 known cases of landing gear stowaways, around 80 perished due to the extreme conditions at cruising altitude. The statistics reveal a stark reality: the frigid temperatures and lack of oxygen in the sky can be fatal.
A recent example emphasizes this grim fate. In January, maintenance crews discovered two deceased stowaways in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue flight after it landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Such incidents highlight the perils of attempting to hitch a ride on a plane.
Aviation attorney and experienced pilot John Gagliano shed light on the treacherous nature of riding in a plane’s wheel well. “It’s very, very loud,” Gagliano explained. “It’s very cold, and there’s no air to breathe. So, it’s a very dangerous stunt to pull.” At high altitudes, temperatures can drop drastically. “At 30,000 feet, temperatures can drop 90 degrees colder than on the ground,” he continued. This stark contrast means that if the ground temperature is 50 degrees, it can plunge to a bone-chilling -42 degrees during flight. “You’re going to freeze to death at -42 degrees if you’re there for any amount of time,” Gagliano warned.
Despite the boy’s shocking survival, he faced serious risks throughout his journey. The authorities ultimately decided to send him back to Kabul the same day. His story serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those who seek escape through such extreme measures. The realities of air travel remain perilous, especially for those willing to gamble their lives in pursuit of curiosity or freedom.
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