A SAS flight from Arlanda to Copenhagen aborted takeoff on Sunday after the nose lifted too early at low speed. Passengers described panic as the plane slammed back onto the runway following crew brace commands. The pilot took over controls for safety reasons and no injuries were reported.
SAS flight SK1425 taxied onto Arlanda's runway on Sunday bound for Copenhagen. Passenger Joakim Ågren, 38, described an unusually early liftoff without vibrations. The nose rose but the right wing dropped sharply, prompting the pilot to abort as the plane slammed down.
The crew shouted “head down, head down, head down!” and passengers braced. Ågren thought: “I managed to think that I would break my neck.” Karl Netzell, 23, saw the wing and heard the bang: “It was some really scary seconds.”
The pilot announced a technical problem and taxied back to the gate. One pilot addressed the cabin, explaining the first officer lifted the nose too soon at low speed; he took over, an event unseen in 15 years. Passengers deplaned, crisis support was offered, and the crew was stood down.
SAS press chief Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji said: “It is always serious when we have to abort.” Ågren received a 100 SEK voucher and was rebooked via Oslo, where he felt fear about continuing to fly.
