Passengers on a charter flight that had just taken off from Havana headed to Florida experienced a major scare this Monday when a malfunction in one of the engines of an aircraft from the World Atlantic airline necessitated an immediate emergency landing.
A Cuban woman who was recording the moment of the aircraft's takeoff inadvertently captured the incident.
Amid the excitement of leaving the island, the traveler noticed that something had happened. Immediately, the voice of a flight attendant could be heard explaining that all passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened.
In a later recording, the Cuban explained that they almost crashed the plane.
“Look at that, the engine exploded”, explained the traveler as she showcased the large scene at the airport.
"Look how they were waiting for us on land, ambulance, the firefighters..." his companion detailed from the bus that would take them back to the airport terminal.
The video has gone viral in recent hours without any official media or Civil Aviation making a statement regarding the incident so far.
It has been the Facebook group Amantes de la Aviación Cubana that has provided some information about what happened.
“Engine failure during takeoff of an MD-83 N802WA from World Atlantic departing from Havana on March 31, 2025. Flight Havana-Tampa”, wrote the group administrator on social media alongside the mentioned video.
“This is true. It didn't 'explode', it may have been a bird or 'pompaje'. Let's await the outcome of the investigation,” added Rafael Lahera Atencio in another post from the mentioned group.
In the field of aviation, the term "surge" (from the English engine surge or compressor stall) refers to an abnormal phenomenon that occurs in jet engines, specifically in the engine compressor.
It is a sudden interruption of airflow through the engine's compressor, leading to a partial or total loss of thrust and potentially damaging the engine if not controlled. Instead of flowing normally into the combustion chamber, the air flows backward toward the front of the engine due to a pressure imbalance.
In the comments section of the post, several internet users expressed their relief that, despite the scare, nothing serious happened.
Frequently asked questions about the charter flight incident from Havana to Florida
What happened to the charter flight from Havana to Florida?
The charter flight from Havana to Florida returned to Havana shortly after takeoff due to an engine failure. The incident was captured on video by a passenger and subsequently spread on social media. Fortunately, the emergency landing was carried out without any reported injuries.
What is a "pompaje" in aviation and how does it affect aircraft engines?
"Pumping" is an anomalous phenomenon that occurs in jet engines, specifically in the engine's compressor. This phenomenon causes a sudden interruption of airflow, which can lead to a partial or total loss of engine thrust. If not controlled, it can damage the engine.
How did the Cuban authorities react to the charter flight incident?
As of the time of the news, the Cuban authorities have not officially commented on the incident. The information available has primarily been provided by aviation enthusiast groups on social media.
What security measures are taken in the event of an aircraft engine failure?
In the event of an aircraft engine failure, the crew is trained to perform emergency landings and maintain calm among the passengers. Safety measures include following protocols to ensure a safe landing, such as keeping passengers seated with their seatbelts fastened and maintaining constant communication with the control tower.
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