What Happens During an Emergency Landing? (Complete Guide)
Complete guide to emergency landings in aviation. Learn what pilots do, how crews prepare, passenger experience, and why most emergency landings are routine precautionary procedures.
Key Fact: Most Emergency Landings Are Routine
Few phrases spark anxiety like "emergency landing." But in reality, most emergency landings are routine, precautionary, and highly controlled. It's not the catastrophic event Hollywood makes it seem.
What Is an Emergency Landing?
An emergency landing is any unscheduled landing made in response to a situation that requires immediate attention. It does not mean the plane is crashing.
An Emergency Landing Occurs Due To:
- Medical issue - Passenger or crew medical emergency
- Mechanical irregularity - Warning lights or system anomalies
- Security concern - Unruly passengers or security threats
- Bad weather en route - Severe storms or conditions
- Smoke or odor - Unusual smells or visible smoke in cabin
Important: Most emergency landings are done as a precaution long before a situation becomes dangerous.
Types of Emergency Landings
There are three main types, with most falling under the safest category:
Precautionary Landing
Most Common
Pilot lands early to check an issue, like a warning light or passenger illness. Done out of abundance of caution.
Forced Landing
Less Common
Caused by a serious issue like engine failure. Still survivable thanks to training and glide procedures.
Crash Landing
Very Rare
Involves hard or uncontrolled landings due to complete loss of control or power. Extremely uncommon.
How Pilots Decide to Divert or Land Early
Pilots follow a strict, well-practiced protocol when considering an emergency landing:
Assess the Situation
Use onboard systems and emergency checklists to evaluate the issue
Communicate
Contact air traffic control (ATC) and company dispatch for guidance
Evaluate Options
Determine the nearest safe airport and assess diversion possibilities
Inform Crew
Brief flight attendants and begin planning the approach
Begin Descent
Start descent to the selected safe alternate airport
Important: Pilots are encouraged to err on the side of caution. There is never a penalty for choosing to divert.
What Happens in the Cockpit vs. Cabin
In the Cockpit
- Activate "Emergency" code to notify ATC
- Run emergency checklists for the specific issue
- Program new approach into navigation system
- Coordinate with flight attendants
- Declare emergency landing for priority airspace
The process is calm, calculated, and practiced hundreds of times in simulators.
In the Cabin
- Secure cabin: tray tables, seat backs, carry-ons
- Instruct passengers to remain calm and buckled
- Relocate medically distressed passengers
- Prepare for potential evacuation procedures
- Reassure passengers with clear communication
Flight attendants are trained in emergency medical response, firefighting, and evacuation.
What Passengers Will Experience
While the cockpit coordinates the emergency response, here's what you might notice as a passenger:
Descent earlier than expected or course correction
Clear explanation of diversion or early landing
Flight attendants securing items and checking passengers
Possibly more rapid descent depending on urgency
Only requested for high-impact situations
Safety Protocols at the Airport
When a plane declares an emergency, the entire airport system responds:
Runway Clearance
Runways cleared and prepared for immediate landing
Emergency Vehicles
Fire trucks and ambulances deployed as precaution
Ground Crews
Teams prepare for evacuation or assistance
Airspace Control
Restricted airspace for clear flight path
Often, emergency services aren't needed — but they're there just in case.
Famous Emergency Landings That Ended Safely
These well-known cases demonstrate that training and aircraft design make survival the norm:
Why You Shouldn't Panic
Here's why most emergency landings are not emergencies in the catastrophic sense:
Professional, trained response rather than panic
Planes can fly safely with one engine or glide long distances
Diversions are usually preventive, not reactive
You will be informed and protected every step of the way
If anxiety strikes during an emergency landing:
Use the SkyCalm app's SOS feature to access immediate breathing exercises and calming techniques. Knowledge is power — and understanding the process helps you stay calm.
Final Thoughts
Emergency landings sound dramatic, but in most cases, they're simply the aviation industry doing exactly what it's designed to do: keep you safe.
These landings are rare, controlled, and highly survivable. With expert pilots, highly trained crews, and layers of technology and ground support, you're never flying alone — even when the unexpected happens.
Trust the system. And if you need help calming your nerves mid-flight, SkyCalm is right in your pocket.
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