Pilot performs the near-impossible by landing Airbus A380 nearly sideways during a storm
Published on Dec 29, 2025 at 9:11 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Dec 29, 2025 at 9:12 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
This pilot managed to perform the near-impossible in an Airbus A380.
And he did so by landing the aircraft sideways during the course of a storm.
Landing a plane isn’t exactly an easy feat at the best of times – let alone during gale-force winds.
But, thanks to a technique known as ‘crabbing’, this pilot managed to get the job done.
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Airbus A380 pilot pulls off sideways landing
If you’ve ever been on an airplane during bad weather, you understand how nerve-racking the experience can be.
Now try imagining that exact same feeling – except for the fact that you’re responsible for landing it safely.
Of course, we’ve all seen videos of crazy airplane landings before.
Some, such as this one in Saint Maarten, came incredibly close to hitting the beach.
Others have to face runways near cliffs and other dangerous (albeit stunning) landmarks.
But the video of this landing might just put your nerves out altogether.
The above video was captured live by YouTube channel SDTV Live.
It was described as the, ‘craziest landing ever seen’ – and we’re struggling to disagree.
The incredible feat occurred back in February of 2020, during a UK storm called Storm Dennis.
This Airbus A380 pilot had to battle such dangerous weather when landing at London Heathrow airport.
Crew shows off remarkable calm in the eye of the storm
But how was the pilot able to pull off such an impressive landing?
Well, it’s all thanks to a technique known as ‘crabbing.’
Landing sideways during a cross wind like a crab is a recommended technique that not every pilot can master.
Aligning the nose of the plane into the wind neutralizes drift and helps the pilot stay in control of the plane while cross winds push it.
Keeping the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline even though the plane itself is not aligned helps with landing in even the most ferocious of storms.
It’s safe to say that this pilot certainly earned his wings on this landing.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
