Aviation Photo #1615692 Airbus A310-325/ET - SATA International

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This month of November had been really good for us spotters, with so many different things coming by!! Not being a different A/C, this one deserved some attention... These pilots were caught in some wind shear, and it was really close to total disaster, since the wing almost touched the ground! You can also see the stress in main landing gear... At that time, there were gusts up to 44 knots of crosswind, and heavy turbulence was reported! I'm glad that everything ended up well.. [Canon 40D + Sigma 120-400
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    Paulo Santos
    SATA International
    Airbus A310-325/ET
    Airbus A310
    Airbus A310
    Airbus
    624
    CS-TKN
    Lajes (Terceira Island - Lajes) (BA4)
    Azores
    Portugal
    November 20, 2009
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Photo Added: November 27, 2009

Comments (386)

Anonymous
13 years ago
Good job!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Well done to the pilots!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great Moment! Great Photo! 5*
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow nice capture...one of the best at A.net
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is one of the most spectacular photos I've seen in airliners.net. The photo was taken in the right momment and it's very clear the adverse conditions that the aircraft faced. 5 stars photo. Fantastic job!
Nuno Faria
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow wouldnt like to be on there
Anonymous
13 years ago
Whooooouuuu!!!It must hurt! That
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is spectacular and dramatic, I gave you five stars.
Anonymous
13 years ago
All I can say is WOW!! If I was either of the pilots, or a passsenger on that flight, I'd most assuredly have checked the back end of my pants for any deposits that I may have left there. This photo is worth 100 stars easily...
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow no comments yet? amazing capture, the F/Os holdin on fro dear life!. i can imagine the passengers squeeling too
Anonymous
13 years ago
Damn... That reminds me of what happened at HAM some time ago... Great shot though!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Holy crap!
Anonymous
13 years ago
The fact that Paolo managed to catch the shot at that exact moment is, to me testament of a great photographer
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow; that's what crosswind can do? or is it also the pilot?
Anonymous
13 years ago
What an amazing catch! Yash
Anonymous
13 years ago
I would love to see video of this. Nice capture.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Definetely a great catch on the right moment Paulo!
Rui Sousa, Madeira Spotters
Anonymous
13 years ago
Oh boy! I think I see a contender for top of the past 365 coming up the ranks.
Anonymous
13 years ago
WOW, they go around or landed? Amazing pic and timing.. very good for pilots to keep control of situation!
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is ridiculous! Great timing and glad they managed to get it down safely!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Unbelievable!!! Fantastic !!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Right place, right time, right... finish.
Anonymous
13 years ago
What a fantastic Shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
The right time and the right spot! But it looks to me like the outboard "canoe" did touch the ground.
- rsa
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congratulations on not only a great moment, but just a great photo - lighting and detail is lovely! I really like the compression of the main gear tires as well.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing ! 5 stars !!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Awesome, glad it ended well.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Moment of truth.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Unique pic on a.net! Congrats
Anonymous
13 years ago
I just can't see how the pilots managed to right the plane and land it safely. Amazing capture and chapeau to the pilots!
Anonymous
13 years ago
One of the best I've ever seen
Anonymous
13 years ago
Simply amazing, the stress in the MLG is clear to see
Anonymous
13 years ago
A great shot from 1 of the best in Portugal!!!

S
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Outstanding!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Unlucky pilots + Lucky Spotter = Top of the year on A.net!! Congratulations. Good photographer!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Excellent shot! The timing is unique. I believe that must be one of the most impressive photos concerning wind shear.
Anonymous
13 years ago
My first reaction when I saw this picture was "Holy ...!" Without reading the picture comments, I would of thought this landing ended in an accident. Job well done to the crew for maintaining control of the aircraft. Amazing shot by the photographer.
Anonymous
13 years ago
WOw....should be 5 stars...incredible shot
Anonymous
13 years ago
Beautiful!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I have never seen anything like it! What perfect timing from Paulo. 5 star photo if I ever saw one! CJB
Anonymous
13 years ago
Rare to take pics like these
Anonymous
13 years ago
Is that a tri-colored VASI?

Great picture
Anonymous
13 years ago
There's no doubt that it was a PUURRFECT timing to catch such a breath taking moment. You can even feel frightened by seeing this bird comin right at you!
Congratulations Paulo, gotta be the best pic on A.net
Anonymous
13 years ago
Holy cow!!! Great photo of the heat of the moment there!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Shoo, that was a close one
Anonymous
13 years ago
Hi Paulo, your work is fantastic, you take amazing pictures among time and this one is your OSCAR!
Congratulations for your work and to sahre with all of us!
Filipe Pires
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is a truly breathtaking photo! I can't even imagine of how much stress that RH MLG suffered on the touchdown. Doubtless, one of the best photos in A.net. Congrats Paulo! Allen Azevedo
Anonymous
13 years ago
Truly amazing shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing.
Anonymous
13 years ago
They say flying is 99% boredom and 1% sheer terror. I guess this was a "1%" moment...

Great photo!
Anonymous
13 years ago
WUUA! No words! Breathtaking pic! Congrats for the spotter and also for the great crew of this A310!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Yikes!!! unexpected, brilliant shot!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Incredible ! Great shot !
Anonymous
13 years ago
What perfect timing, not very often that a picture makes me feel nervous.
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is the craziest landing I have seen!
Anonymous
13 years ago
You have reached the peak! Many Congratulations Paulo! With this great photo assert your status and great perseverance in being always on top of it, rain or shine, be it a fly or a heavy! So it gives joy and pleasure of photographing the "Fabulous Lajes Vegas" action! Keep them comming! ;)

Lino Borges - Azores Spotters
Anonymous
13 years ago
"My first reaction when I saw this picture was 'Holy ...!'"

As was mine, to the letter! :D Outstanding photo in every right, Paulo...this is a five-star capture by all means! Even better that everything came out well for the plane and everyone on board. Amazing shot, never saw anything like that when I passed through Lajes! Jaysen F. Snow - Midwest Tail Chasers
Anonymous
13 years ago
I must say, if i was taking that photo....i would have needed some new underpants!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
WOW that landing gear is under some serious stress!! I wonder if they had to inspect it?
Anonymous
13 years ago
You can see the first officer's hand reaching up and grabbing the handle to brace for impact. 5*
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great photo!!! Not to mention the aircraft looks like its headed for you!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Just awesome picture despite of the situation for the crew
Anonymous
13 years ago
Thanks god that aircraft ends up well
Anonymous
13 years ago
I am very happy all passengers after this felight was good
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congratulation for such a great picture. best one I've seen so far.glad it did not finish in disaster.
two thumbs up.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow what a Catch!! glad it was a safe landing.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Boomps-a-daisy
Anonymous
13 years ago
The best example of a classic Chinese "One Wing Lo" landing I ever saw. A definite Pucker Factor 10. Good pilot skills saved the day. I bet even the flight computer wet itself.
Anonymous
13 years ago
This must be the most exciting safe landing ever!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow, wished i was there to see this. Glad that everything ended well. Keep em coming Paulo!

Regards
Krishley.G.D.Purmanun (PiloteAlpha)
Anonymous
13 years ago
Oh my GOD!!! What I want to know is.... WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?!!! How did they get from this to actually landing?! Incredible shot...
Anonymous
13 years ago
Must be quite the crosswind if it requires that much bank AND crab.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Unbelievable shot, Will definitely be one of the all time favorites on Anet before long. Lots of detail, such as the co-pilot bracing himself with his left arm for............
Anonymous
13 years ago
It's so great!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Perfect timing and light. Congrats Paulo! A bit of luck was there for the crew, as such a situation may quickly become uncontrollable. Patrick.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I don't know who to congratulate here, the pilots or the photographer?
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great stuff! This is what I'd like to see on A.net!! Action! (instead of fisheye photos of backs of seats and airplane toilets.) Well done.
Anonymous
13 years ago
If this doesn't make top photo of 2009, I dont know what will. You could probably sell this picture. Awesome job!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
The freak! hope this was a cargo plane!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I don't know about you guys but I would be thinking right about now... "whats the best way to sprint? left or right?!!!"
Anonymous
13 years ago
And the picture quality is great too! Increivel! 5 stars from Mat
Anonymous
13 years ago
Just an incredible shot!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Simply an amazing photo, well done! Your ability in staying composed to capture this is shot whilst this was happening is a credit to you.
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is quite possibly the best photo that will ever appear on A.net. I image there weren't just skidmarks on the tarmac for this landing - It's a pity you can't award 6 stars!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Superb.... think i can hear the words "oh s*@t"... brilliant...
Anonymous
13 years ago
Simplu unbelievable - amazing shot!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Very good pilots =)
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow almost like hamburg
Anonymous
13 years ago
One in a million....scary landing!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Simply stunning Paulo, best capture I've ever seen on A.Net thanks for sharing it with us
Anonymous
13 years ago
Oh my God!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
WOW what some lucky guys ! Azores will be ever so dangerous during Autumn-Winter season !
Anonymous
13 years ago
One of the most spectacular picture wich i have ever seen
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congratulations! Paulo, you get that lucky Shot.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congrets with this photo Paulo! This is a dreampicture for every spotter! Five stars cause I could't find more, what a shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I'm a big Airliners.net fan and I've never posted before but this photo is just spectacular!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Very impressive shot! Congrats for the catch!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Simply gosh
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing snapshot ! Great ... ! Words fail me... 5 stars !!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I can just join in on what all the others already wrote. Look how the F/O is holding on.
Anonymous
13 years ago
What a shot ! Incredible this landing end well !!!
Congratulations for the pilot too. 5 stars for Paulo. Unique timing for this shot
Anonymous
13 years ago
I cannot find words. One of the best I've ever seen.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing shot
Anonymous
13 years ago
Buffffffffffffffffffffff, terrifying..........
Anonymous
13 years ago
SPECTACULAR would be an understatement! The best landing shot on airliners.net, or the entire internet for that matter. Congratulations Paulo.
Regards from AKL, NZ.






















Anonymous
13 years ago
Unbelievable shot ! Congratulations ! You 've catched the decissive moment !
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing picture!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Rescpect for the pilots and the photographer! 5 stars
Anonymous
13 years ago
You can see the Co-Pilots Arm Holding the top of the roof in anticipation...gosh really must have been bad...Great Capture
Anonymous
13 years ago
Stunning photography Paulo, very well done, you were in the right place at the right time.
I am so glad it was no more then a bad landing!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Holy sh*t! That was an absolute close one. It definitely reminds me of that LH A320 in Hamburg some time ago.
It's probably a once in a lifetime chance to see something like that. But you not only saw it, but also had your camera ready and made this absolutely incredible, perfect photo.
Wow! 5 Stars plus! At least...
Anonymous
13 years ago
Tops everything I've ever seen... and I've seen a few things.... great crew..SATA.. super spotter, great shot... Congrats Paulo.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congrats Paulo! Thats Just the Most outstanding Landing that i've Ever Seen! One of The best photographer, if not the best in Portugal! Fábio Pinheiro.
Anonymous
13 years ago
A.W.E.S.O.M.E. The beauty and dangerours weahter from Azores with a beauty machine gave us this amazing shot. Congrats Paulo
Anonymous
13 years ago
No words to describe this!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
God bless all of you guys, passenger and crews!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Well done!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Unbeliveable!
Anonymous
13 years ago
The best..... Crew...SATA... and photographer...PAULO!!!!!!!
Love you ...DAD!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Superb!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Very timely man
Anonymous
13 years ago
Its awesome !! look at the copilot
Anonymous
13 years ago
I wonder if there was any damage to the landing gear.
Anonymous
13 years ago
5* Paulo, nice reward for your work.
Definitely, my PHOTOGRAPHERS' CHOICE Vote!
Cheers,Rui Alves - Madeira Spotters
Anonymous
13 years ago
5 stars!!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Good work in the cockpit and outside the perimeter
Anonymous
13 years ago
I have no words! Just amazing!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Extremely sharp, awesome timing
Anonymous
13 years ago
Thanks for this absolutely spectacular picture of this almost illfated windshear landing. It shows that the pilots of TKN were properly trained professionals, that the aircraft structure was appropriately designed, and that we all in this industry truly have to "expect the unexpected"! Lovely picture!! Obrigado for sharing it with us!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Just A M A Z I N G ! You can see the stress on the right engine, right bellow the wing.

My congrats!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Cool Photot, but why are the 1000 fts and 4000fts Marker visible in this perspective??
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing shot, amazing plane, and amazing pilots... definately 5*!!
Good job on this one!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Maama mia !!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I think the First Officer crapped his pants.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Whoops!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Top of 2k9! Landing in Lufthansa style as in Hamburg one year ago ;-)
Anonymous
13 years ago
***** Unbelievable! *****
R.N.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Just amazing... 5 stars!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Because the picture is taken from way far away so the juxtaposition is confusing but 100% legitimate. Look at the F/O grabbing the "oh s***!" handle! 5*****
Anonymous
13 years ago
Man! All went well for you also!
Five star photo!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Fantastic capture! Those guys are really earning their money. Just shows our small and pathetic we are when Nature steps and shows whose in charge. Puny humans in their flying tubes! One of my favorite planes as well. Gosh Im sure with each hairy landing airline crews all over must think "Im so gonna end up on airliners.net!"
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing once in a lifetime shot! You are lucky to have been in the right place at the right moment to capture this.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow ... Amazing shot , Glad that everything ended well , congrats.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Sharp shot!
The number of views is just incredible.. almost 90.00 in a bit over a day...!
Anonymous
13 years ago
TeeeeeerifYing for the people in the plain and pure insanity for the spoter in the place he was.....
Congratulations
Parabens
Anonymous
13 years ago
We can see the FO's arm is up in front of the windscreen and bracing for the landing.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Fantastic photo! Just wondered if the photographer was ready to make a run to escape if everything went wrong!
Anonymous
13 years ago
This picture shows why in aviation it is always best to be prepared
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congratulations for having been able to capture that precise moment. Very good picture.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Thanks to everyone that left a comment in my picture!
I'm kind of sad to think that there are people who actually think that this picture was "photoshoped". Well, let me say that it WASN'T! This actually did happened, and I'm sorry that some of you are too jealous of someone else's work ;)
This was taken at F/9, 1/500" and 400mm! The only reason I find to explain the lack of the rudder and other parts is that they where caught in surprise, and at the time of the shoot, they didn't even had the time to correct it....
If you still don't believe me, send me an e-mail and I'll show you the sequence :)
Thanks once again to all the other guys
Paulo Santos - Portugal Spotters
Anonymous
13 years ago
100,000+ views in 24 hours! bravo!
ub
Anonymous
13 years ago
Simply breathtaking! Can you imagine the sound inside the cabin!?
Anonymous
13 years ago
Heck oh hell, that is one of the best photos I have ever seen in my 10 years of perusing this site. It will take its place in the best ever photos section for sure. Congratulatios to you Paulo and to the flight crew for avoiding certain disaster. Matthew.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Fantastic Shooting Paulo!
Like I said, you were able to make a GREAT photo on the right moment!
Don't mind any other comments about photoshoping...it's obviously people that don't know your pics!
Keep up,
Rui Sousa, Madeira Spotters
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing! Right place at the right time. And 100,000 views in 1 day is pretty neat.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Oh S***!!!!!! Thats unbelievable!!! Definetly once in a lifetime shot!!!!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I think we have just looked at what will be the highest ever viewed picture on airliners.net, congratulations on a fantastic shot - Gary777
Anonymous
13 years ago
Fantastic shot...nothing more to say!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
The only thing i want to say about this picture the grat timing of photo shot and and agle of shot.This picture it self telling the perfection and hard work of a photographer and i would say that it means a good work always show its picture it self.No one always have a good word for it.It tells its story it self.so Mr Paulo Santos keep it up and let them say who want to say bad for you don't stop your great work man keep it up.and good a head roger.over and out
Anonymous
13 years ago
For all the nay-sayers--looks pretty real to me! MD-11, C-17 pilot
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing. It just reminds you of all the hard work they put into building the landing gear ;)
Anonymous
13 years ago
I don't know how your pictures but this one is one great picture. Habib
Anonymous
13 years ago
I`m sure the crew had wet pants all around after this, its skills or tons of luck!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I recently flew JNB-DUR on a 738 and we aborted our landing and returned to JNB due to 45 knot gusts across a wet runway. Looking at this I am glad we aborted!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great actionshot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Superb capture showing the drama of when things "nearly" go terribly wrong. Good skill by the crew resulted in a safe ending.
Anonymous
13 years ago
You were definitely in the right place at the right time. This photo reminds me of the famous video of the Korean Air Lines 747 landing at a very cross-windy Kai Tak airport. Excellent work Paulo.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing skills from the crew and the photographer. I can't wait to see the full size images of the rest of the sequence. From the small ones I have seen it is clear that the port side main gear slammed down very hard indeed in the moments after this shot.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Absolutely stunning. Great capture!
Anonymous
13 years ago
This photo is really no comments! Absolutely surreal, it truly speaks for itself. Congrats
Anonymous
13 years ago
Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
Great job by the crew.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow, what a amazing shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I don't find it so much as anyone being jealous, when you almost witnessed a disaster. And is not work, is only a hobby which we all enjoy and this time it was the crew who got lucky. You just happened to be there to capture it. Great shot BTW. Cheers.
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is the time when we separate the men from the boy...Great Work by Crew and Photoguy...Cheers my Friend Paulo...JanetFlight;)
Anonymous
13 years ago
Whoa!!! incredible moment to see, but to capture!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I'm sure someone will question the crew about this landing... Great shot.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Another 5 (five) starts from me...!!! Great job my everyone.!! Congrats Paulo
Anonymous
13 years ago
Nice!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Excellent Photo!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great light!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Simply stunning.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Whoa there big boy!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Perspective, sense of being out of control. Also just a very clear picture from an optics standpoint.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Talk about your heart skipping a beat, look at the side load on those tires!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Nice landing !!!!!! I wish I could have done that and lived to tell the tale
Anonymous
13 years ago
Kudos to Airbus, the gear was able to withstand such force upon landing, I doubt it was even possible for them to simulate this scenario during certification, yet the plane landed and stopped safely.
Anonymous
13 years ago
That nose couldn't be more off centre, must've been a huge x-wind...
Anonymous
13 years ago
It seems these people are inches away from a crash. The wing is inches off the ground and the angle probably can't be any more acute without things going awry.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Lucky pilots and pax. Had the gust gone a few knots stronger, perhaps the outcome of this shot would be very different.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I've been through Lajes a bunch. The winds there are nothing to mess with. This is such a well timed capture. I looked up into the cockpit expecting to see the whites of the pilots huge eyes!
Anonymous
13 years ago
My bet is that even the guys in the cockpit wuold be amazed with this shot. 5*
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great skill... very good picture. Paulo Santos congratulations for this moment.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I'll be landing at this airport on Dec 16th... look me up, and please get the wind to be calm that day...! Very nice..! Thank you for sharing.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Beautiful capture! I love the detail in the photo - I only wish that the resolution would be greater so that I could get a better look at the pilots. The only thing better than this photo would likely be the expression on their faces! Brilliant capture - 5 stars.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great shot, makes me wonder how it looked when I arrived in EIN almost four years ago. That day the wind was so heavy that there was no public transport anymore all throughout Holland and I had to wait until after midnight for someone to come and pick me up at the airport. The landing at that time felt quite wild, but it was already dark, and I have not seen how it went, but if I see this, that's maybe for the better.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I've browsed Anet for years and I never bothered to write any comments before but seriously, this one's insane! Maybe the best I've seen here! Congrats Paulo. What a shame we can't give you 6*.... make it 10!!! -Bruno
Anonymous
13 years ago
Had that wing touched the ground, the photographer was history too. Amazing picture.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congratulation on this capture, I'm sure this shot will go down in history along with the video of the Lufthansa A320 as the textbook examples of extreme crosswind landing.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I have flown to Lajes before, and I am a Flight Safety Officer. This photo will join my lesson plan on windshear, with credit. Great photo.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Beautiful instant catched and pictures quality!
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is a truly dramatic shot. it's not often you see a near disaster like this - and manage to take a good quality picture. it says something about the strength of airbus undercarriages.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Very nice, perfect moment
Anonymous
13 years ago
I saw this from the military side of the ramp. Myself, along with the rest of my crew, thought were were seeing a crash in progress. Needless to say, we were completely astounded they managed to pull this off without bending metal. This is an incredible photo and I can't wait to see the rest of the series.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Can't you feel the action?! Breathtaking pic! 5 stars!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Very good shot, congratulations!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Near crash
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing shot
abc GP
Anonymous
13 years ago
Good job!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing ! Those pilots did earn their pay !
And the photographer, Paulo our congratulations for a job well done.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing. possibly the best aviation picture...ever!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great skills? Earned their pay? I guarantee the Captain had to talk to management at the company about this landing--it probably wasn't a positive conversation... Finally, never trade luck for skill. MD-11, C-17 pilot (again)
Anonymous
13 years ago
Isn't that the 1st officer's hand in the window, as if he's holding onto a handle or shielding his face for impact...?
Anonymous
13 years ago
Astonishing!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Not often this happens and especially you can shot it
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing shot

Pierre
Anonymous
13 years ago
Hi Paulo, Great Photo... Congratulations my friend...
Anonymous
13 years ago
Incredible!
Anonymous
13 years ago
5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Just WOW!!!!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Only five stars? .....ten stars for this amazing photo
Anonymous
13 years ago
A superb job by both pilots and photographer.

Peter
Anonymous
13 years ago
How can I make this my desktop picture?
Anonymous
13 years ago
Once in a lifetime.. Hats off !!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
I wonder how much rudder he had to push to correct the crab
Anonymous
13 years ago
One of the most fantastic pictures that i ever Seen.

serious candidate to Photo of the year 2009.

Good job Paulo Santos.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow -- your skill as a photographer sure came in handy! There was *way* more than just luck involved here. Great shot in every way, and great job keeping your cool to get it. I hope you will share the whole sequence.
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is an awesome photo. Top job by the pilots.
I agree this deserves 10 stars to the photographer and the pilots.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I don't understand the comments that are complementing the crew for "superior piloting" or "earning their pay". This is a botched landing and is a sign of reckless flying, not skill.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing!!!

Thanks!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Lajes...
Excellent photo,
Congratulations Paulo!
Abra
Anonymous
13 years ago
Best photo 2009 for sure!!!!!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Holy....You kept there making photos, I would have ducked and covered ;) Remind me a bit on the Lufthansa scene in Hamburg this year
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow... Yep - "Holy S...!!!"
Anonymous
13 years ago
Cought the moment, that is being a photographer !

Greetings from Argentina
Anonymous
13 years ago
Fantastic action caught on camera
Anonymous
13 years ago
New fast exit technique: looks like they are heading straight for the taxiway and will be docking in no time so passengers can get on with their business!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing photo.It landed or it was go around?
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great capture of great moment.. Who is control.. I believe the captain..
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is what happens when you mix flying skill, weather factors and a talented photographer. I can only imaging how it would have felt for the passengers specially on the left side and the pilot flying, what a moment!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Only 5 star .. bravo..
Anonymous
13 years ago
Hope they checked the gears after they stopped
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing Photo
Anonymous
13 years ago
Picture of the year 2009: Amazing!
Anonymous
13 years ago
2009 best photo
Anonymous
13 years ago
Nice shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Is that the First Officer's hand/arm up against the flightdeck ceiling? Probably bracing himself for impact!!! Great shot. Glad I wasn't the pilot on this one.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Fantastic and lucky shoot....but good and solid plane this A 310 !!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
If a crosswind has you crabing that much, I think its safe to say you should have chose a different runway. Nice shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Holly Cow!!
Now that's a good way to scare the passegers.
You know a good thrill at the end.
P/A: Ladies and gentlemen as you may notice we are about to reach the terminal, but those on the right side may want to go to the lavatory room first.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wonderful
Anonymous
13 years ago
Nice shot. Lousy landing.

Maint. Log Entry; R. Winglet - ground contact, R. Aileron - inspection req'd, Rudder Limiter - inspection req'd, R. Main Gear Truck - hard landing inspection req'd, F/O Seatcushion - replace.

Capt. XXX; Please stop by the Chief Pilot's Office at your earliest convenience to schedule your re-training visit. You have been placed on tracking until further notice. Sincerely, Capt. YYY
Anonymous
13 years ago
Right place, right time, great shot.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Congratulations Paulo.
Spectacular and very dramatic moment.
Thankfully everything ended well.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great Foto, right place and angle.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I wonder what was going through the minds of people on board, pilots, and passengers.
Anonymous
13 years ago
AMAZING SHOT
Anonymous
13 years ago
One of the best shots ever seen.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Best photo on a.net *fullstop*.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Thats a pretty amazing shot:)
Anonymous
13 years ago
You only have one time to do this
With art,feeling,risc and knowing of photography
Best photo i ever see
Armando Matos
Anonymous
13 years ago
Don´t know what to say..... no words can even come close to waht I´m feling right now..... super shot Paulo...
Anonymous
13 years ago
Thank you for sharing this.
Anonymous
13 years ago
I wonder what pilots has thought...I can bet that after that landing they've left plane with few new greay hairs :) Really GREAT shot.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great catch. The timing of the shot and the focus are perfect.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Super PHOTO!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Close Call!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Holy smokes! That was close!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Omg! that was a close call if ever ive seen one
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing shooting btw
Anonymous
13 years ago
Oh my God, too dangerous!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Remarkable timing to capture this event. The stress on the structure and the crew can almost be seen.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow, I wish someone had a video of this! Almost unbelievable!
Anonymous
13 years ago
This is something you don´t see often. And no full rudder to the left ??
Anonymous
13 years ago
Only 5 stars????? not enough for this AWESOME photo
Anonymous
13 years ago
What a close call!
Anonymous
13 years ago
RUN ! ! ! It's coming towards !

Great Picture Paulo Santos... 5 stars!
Anonymous
13 years ago
One only time......
A.M.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Nice picture!
Anonymous
13 years ago
By the way, Mr Santos ... whatta dangerous place you were!! wheew.. you deserve 7 stars for sure!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great photo
Anonymous
13 years ago
Seems kind of odd that there is no visible control input!?!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Incredible photo!!! thank you
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Just amazing!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Awesome!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Excellent Photo! Most of the other comments sum it up but gusts of 45kts doesnt sound possible to lift an aircraft of this size! Guess it must have just got under the wing.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Just amazing!!!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wow! An amazing shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Wholy smokes!! That must of been close,, I am sure that plane was grounded for a bit. look at all of the stress on the main.
Anonymous
13 years ago
One only time Amazing!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Unbelivable shot.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Excellent !
Anonymous
13 years ago
Great picture with perfect timing, but just a 2 things.

A wing toughing the ground does not mean total disaster.

A crosswind landing does not mean a heavy landing, no biggie, just looks dramatic.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Don't show this Your mom or she will never let You fly again ... phew ... never underestimate the windshear
Anonymous
13 years ago
Excellent shot!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Amazing catch!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Dangerously!
Anonymous
13 years ago
Capturing just that moment along with the wet runway and very few visual distractions in the picture.
Anonymous
13 years ago
Photog was definitely in the right place at the right time.....
Anonymous
13 years ago
Good pic, but 44 knots of crosswind and the grass is 90
Anonymous
13 years ago
Expectacular very good picture
Anonymous
13 years ago
Good pose
Anonymous
13 years ago
Good..
Anonymous
12 years ago
One of the very best photos on A.net. I can't see any rudder deflection and with the FO's arm grabbing the "Oh Sh**!" handle it looks like Lady Luck landed this one. The decision to land has to be in question. What's the xwind limit on an A310?
Anonymous
12 years ago
That right-main outboard tire looks WAY under stress. Great job keeping her steady enough for all to walk away, but possibly not the best idea landing in greatly changing conditions. Should have went to alternate instead of risking injury.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Great respect for the gear engineers. They've done their work.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Close call, i bet the passengers wet their pants
Anonymous
12 years ago
Great Shot!!!!!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Looks like the First Officer is bracing for impact! LOL. Great shot btw
Anonymous
12 years ago
Why should anyone attempt to land in 44 kt crosswind?? It's bound to encounter some serious wind shear.. Not good airmanship..
Anonymous
12 years ago
Amazing shot, right place right time & great shot
Anonymous
12 years ago
There are several fantastic details caught in this photo. The strain on the wheels is impressive and shows what they can take. All the weight of the plane seems to be on that one wheel! The light and its reflection on the wet runway... Truly a once-in-a-lifetime pic! And not to be looked over is the pilots' skills in addressing such a critical situation.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Just imagine reaction of passengers?
Anonymous
12 years ago
Fantastic shot!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Five stars! Congratulations on a great shot!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Absolutely brilliant stuff, hats off to the photographer & crew. Though i think this was also caught on video from a different angle
Anonymous
12 years ago
Amazing photo!
Anonymous
12 years ago
The first thing I thought was drop the camera and run for cover. This moment leaves so much to stimulate the viewers imagination. What hospital is the photographer in?
Anonymous
12 years ago
Wow!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Good quality tyres !!!
Anonymous
12 years ago
How fun would it be to be on that flight.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Very nice pic!!!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Goodyear could make an ad campaign around this type of picture
Anonymous
12 years ago
Very nice!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Amazing!!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Great photo, 5 stars.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Nice shot!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Great Timing ! kudos
Anonymous
12 years ago
RUN !!!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Just imagine the faces of the "happy" passengers inside :)
Anonymous
12 years ago
The perfect timming... location... shot!
Anonymous
12 years ago
This is an excellent image- a wonderfully shot photo that captures a rare and very dramatic moment during a landing in bad weather.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Superb catch! Congratulations!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Well done mates.. Cheers
Anonymous
12 years ago
No Words... Just Fantastic shoot!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Awesome shot !
Anonymous
12 years ago
The pilot used be a WRC driver...
Nice active shoot!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Yep, serious skills.
breathtaking photo, congratulations
Anonymous
12 years ago
Amazing!
First, I tought it was Photoshop. But, not at the Arliners.net.
Truly amazing shot!
Anonymous
12 years ago
The pilot seems to be a player of MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR X!!!...... ;)
And imagine the faces of the passengers.....
Anonymous
12 years ago
5 stars.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Yikes!
Anonymous
12 years ago
Now that's how airplanes are landed in Azores! Belive it or not I saw a picture of a USAF DC-10 landing in a very similar way in the same runway, at Lajes Airport.
Anonymous
12 years ago
GREAT MOMENT.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Nice timing
Anonymous
11 years ago
Free Trip to DisneyLand or to Six Flags guaranteed!.

real great job by the pilot to have pulled this off. Imagine him in a C-5. Outstanding. Better still IL-76. Guess this is the kind of bravery which keeps people flying(or off it)!.
Anonymous
11 years ago
Great attention to details, a very good position, perfect timing and a superb explanation.
Anonymous
11 years ago
THIS IS VERY COOL
Anonymous
11 years ago
Great pic
Anonymous
11 years ago
Now this is SCARY!
Anonymous
11 years ago
Clearly, it's an Airbus, so that's why this happened.
:-P
Great job to the photographer and pilot for this challenging shot!
Anonymous
11 years ago
Wingtip fence, meet runway. Runway, meet wingtip fence. Pleased to introduce you(NOT).
Anonymous
11 years ago
Excellent Photo! I'm guessing TKN was probably briefly grounded after that incident for inspection of its landing gear.
Anonymous
11 years ago
"No" to those who're guessing that it went on a "briefly inspection! after the incident..! 15 minutes to unload another 15 to load and it was on is way back to LPPT in little less than an hour.
Anonymous
11 years ago
Yikes! Left rudder any time soon? Hindsight is 20-20 but should have diverted me thinks...
Anonymous
11 years ago
Woww, what a cool shot!.. the 'perfect' timing [fraction of a second], when the photographer decides to press his finger on the shutter of the camera ... Really great! 5 *****
Anonymous
11 years ago
Almost a wing tip landing! great shot Paulo!
Anonymous
11 years ago
This is cool and scary
Anonymous
11 years ago
Amazing Landing....................Amazing photography
Anonymous
11 years ago
Looks like its walking
Anonymous
11 years ago
Great picture 5/5 keep them coming.
Anonymous
10 years ago
Whhooooaaaaa!! what timing! I'm sure these photo opportunities do not come around too often!
Anonymous
10 years ago
Timing and Framing !
Anonymous
10 years ago
Amazing shot of this ordeal.
Anonymous
10 years ago
Fortunately not a disaster in progress picture, everything ended well!
Anonymous
10 years ago
Yikes, #crossingmyfingers...
Anonymous
10 years ago
Fantastic pic
Anonymous
10 years ago
This is a.net, not twitter. nice picture by the way
Anonymous
10 years ago
How com i dont see any rudder action?
Anonymous
10 years ago
Great pic, I hope they were turning into the wind and not getting blown over
Anonymous
10 years ago
Simply amazing !!
Anonymous
9 years ago
Excelent shot.
Anonymous
9 years ago
Did he forget that he had landed?
Anonymous
9 years ago
It's very good
Anonymous
9 years ago
The momentum of the motion! The visible stress of the tires/landing gear
Anonymous
9 years ago
***** very nice...
4   Arizona, USA
6 years ago
Awesome photo. Glad it turned out OK. I flew in 'TKN roundtrip Toronto - San Miguel in November 2016...great flights.
Anonymous
4 years ago
Must've been some nervous pax.
1.2K   Spain
3 years ago
Fantastic pic !!!!!!
Arizona, USA
2 years ago
Great to see your incredible photo in this forum, Paulo! I was on that flight, and remember it very well as the day I thought it was about to be all over! Major kudos to the pilots! I've had this photo, along with the freaky sideways final approach photos hanging in my office for several years. Some years ago, I ran across an online news article featuring this photo in a British newspaper, but have since lost track of it.
2 years ago
RÄ°P
5   Illinois, USA
2 years ago
Holy crap! This is insane! Great shot.
1.2K   Spain
2 years ago
Impressive !!
Florida, USA
1 year ago
Wow so close to a wing strike!

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