Influencer Poncho de Nigris experienced tense moments on a private flight from Torreón to Monterrey, where dense fog blocked the pilot's visibility. In videos shared on his YouTube channel, the former finalist of La Casa de los Famosos México described the potential for an emergency landing in Saltillo. The plane ultimately landed safely at Monterrey's airport.
Poncho de Nigris, known for his participation in La Casa de los Famosos México in 2023 where he reached the final, boarded an almost empty private plane, accompanied only by the crew, for a trip from Torreón in Coahuila to Monterrey in Nuevo León. The flight started without issues, with reports of clear skies at the departure airport, but as they approached Monterrey, the weather deteriorated sharply.
Dense fog and thick clouds blanketed the sky, reducing visibility to zero. In a video recorded from the window, De Nigris, uncle of Aldo de Nigris and owner of the La Postrería 77 bakeries, voiced his concern: “No se ve nada en esta travesía, espero podamos aterrizar” (Nothing is visible on this journey, I hope we can land). The pilot assessed the situation and stated that if they couldn't spot the runway, they would return to Saltillo for an emergency landing, prioritizing safety.
De Nigris noted an 80% chance of landing without problems, but the remaining 20% posed high risks. “Estamos a punto de llegar, el clima está feo, el cielo está completamente cerrado” (We're about to arrive, the weather is bad, the sky is completely closed), he recounted, feeling the plane's vibrations. He urged the pilots not to take risks and expressed his eagerness to reunite with his family, though he was fine with a diversion if needed.
Experts from the Escuela de Pilotos y Aviación Comercial explain that emergency landings are triggered by factors like bad weather, involving contact with the nearest control tower for a safe site. In extreme cases, suitable terrain like a field is sought to minimize damage, relying on the crew's training.
Fortunately, conditions improved just enough for the plane to land successfully in Monterrey, easing the flight's tension.