Airbus pilot almost loses control at airshow as A400M nearly tips over while spectators watch
Published on Oct 06, 2025 at 8:27 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Oct 08, 2025 at 1:54 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Showing off this behemoth Airbus A400M at an airshow in the UK, one pilot was nearly left red-faced as the airplane began to topple over in front of hundreds of spectators.
Airbus is renowned for making some of the biggest aircraft in the world.
While the Airbus A400M isn’t quite the size of the gargantuan commercial A380, this military-grade transport aircraft is one of the most daunting beasts in the fleet, and you can bet your bottom dollar it’s tough to handle.
So much so that, in the video above, taken by Instagram user shaun_a.t_henry, even experienced pilots demonstrating its size at a RAF Fairford show in the UK nearly lost control, as one nearly hit the brakes too hard.
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Airbus A400M pilots often overestimate this beastly plane
Yes, the Airbus A400M isn’t technically bigger than the A380 in surface size, but there’s no denying that it’s a sheer monster, in height and demeanor.
At face value, you’d assume this beast of the skies should, at most, simply fly at huge speeds, thundering its barreled chest into the wind and hurtling down runways with frightening power.
But this beautiful plane is so much more than a one-trick pony.
In fact, one pilot actually turned one into a graceful gymnast, doing backflips in the air.

It can also land perfectly at a tight-knit beachfront hangar.
And take off in a mind-bending vertical climb that really shouldn’t be possible.
But it continues to impress pilots and fans.
What is the A400M used for?
Nowadays, aside from stealing the hearts of fans at shows, the Airbus A400M typically carries cargo.
Able to fit over 100 paratroopers in its belly, the plane predominantly flies masses of equipment around the world and serves as support to smaller tactical planes.

Arguably the company’s most versatile plane in the fleet, the Airbus A400M is a jack of all trades and is a cherished veteran that shouldn’t be judged by its appearance.
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Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. As an avid supercar and racing enthusiast, he has a passion for everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR. Whether it's highlighting the intricacies of McLaren’s anti-dive suspension revelations or recognizing celebrities’ multi-million-dollar rides, he has a keen eye for the faster things in life.