[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]A routine flight became a terrifying experience for a South African pilot when he discovered a highly venomous cobra hiding beneath his seat. Rudolf Erasmus felt something cold slide across his lower back with four passengers onboard. He was shocked to see the head of a Cape Cobra slithering back under his seat.
Despite the danger, Erasmus maintained his cool and informed his passengers of the unexpected visitor. He quickly contacted air traffic control to request an emergency landing in Welkom, a town in central South Africa. He had to fly for another 10-15 minutes with the snake curled up at his feet.
Erasmus maintained his focus and successfully landed the plane with the slick stowaway. “I kept looking down to see if I could find it. “It was content under the seat,” he explained. “I don’t have a big fear of snakes, but I usually avoid them.”
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Brian Emmenis, an aviation expert at Welkom radio station Gold FM, received a call for assistance and notified the fire and rescue department. To meet the plane, emergency personnel and a snake handler rushed to the airport. Emmenis arrived first and saw everyone disembarking, visibly shaken but unharmed, thanks to Erasmus’ quick thinking.
The passengers and pilot were shaken by the incident, but they were relieved to have landed safely. “There was a stunned silence,” Erasmus explained. “But when it was over, we were all relieved.”
Erasmus’s bravery and decisive actions aided in the averting of a potentially fatal situation. The passengers will be eternally grateful for his heroic actions, which serve as a reminder that even the most mundane situations can quickly turn dangerous.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
