American Airlines passengers filmed bracing for impact

Dramatic video recorded on a cell phone Wednesday shows passengers on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Dallas bracing for an emergency landing.

Steve Ramsthel, who was aboard the flight operated by Mesa Airlines, the regional company affiliated with American, recorded the tense moments on his mobile device.

The plane landed safely and nobody was injured.

As the plane approached its landing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, airline staff told passengers: ‘You will be given instruction on when to brace.

‘Remain in that position until the aircraft comes to a complete stop.’

Dramatic video recorded on a cell phone Wednesday shows passengers on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Dallas bracing for an emergency landing

The emergency landing was prompted by a malfunction with the plane’s fan, an American Airlines spokesman toldKNXV-TV.

That would explain by Ramsthel and other passengers smelled smoke during those harrowing moments.

‘It wasn’t overwhelming, but you could smell the smoke,’ he said.

Ramsthel, who is himself a trained pilot, said that overall the airline staff and the passengers handled the situation well while remaining calm.

‘There were some people crossing themselves, but I thought the adrenaline was high and everybody just cooperated,’ Ramsthel said.

‘It was pretty amazing to be honest with you.’ 

Steve Ramsthel, who was aboard the flight operated by Mesa Airlines, the regional company affiliated with American, recorded the tense moments on his mobile device