Have you experienced an earthquake while taking off or landing?

Posted by matron999@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 14 comments

I just saw a video of an earthquake (and tsunami!) in Japan filmed at the airport.

I wonder how an earthquake affects a plane that is taking off or landing. Is there any procedure for that? I can't imagine the feeling of seeing the runway shaking!

I would love to read some of your experiences. Thank you!

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babyp6969@reddit

I’ve been parked in Mexico City during an earthquake. The plane shook and I wasn’t sure why until I saw everyone run out of the terminal. Then, it was business as usual.

I think there was like a 10 minute delay on departures but the runway there is so trashed there’s no chance you would notice an earthquake during a takeoff roll.

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MaddingtonBear@reddit

Or was the 10 minute delay because at T1 you push directly onto the only taxiway on the south side?

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babyp6969@reddit

Idk we weren’t delayed I just didn’t hear any departures for a few minutes

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I was landing a plane as a student pilot in an area that has very rare earthquakes. From about 150 ft up I watch the mile long runway wavering in front of me. I asked my instructor what was going on because I thought it was something weird with the plane. He said he had no idea so I hit the throttle and did a go around. As we were landing the second time his phone started going off and it was his family asking if he felt the earthquake. It was a surreal experience. I do not recommend it, especially as a student pilot! My instructor said he didn't want to repeat that either.

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matron999@reddit (OP)

What a story! Thanks for sharing!

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LongSleeveLongTrip@reddit

Lol...no there is no published procedure for taking off or landing during an earthquake. Why would there be? Should we make a published procedure for every single possible eventuality? Do you realize how big that book would be?

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matron999@reddit (OP)

I would bet that if you're based at earthquake prone countries like Chile, Mexico, Japan, etc.. there must be at least some discussion about it. Anyway I just wanted to learn about personal experiences in these situations. Cheers!

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LongSleeveLongTrip@reddit

No. There isn't.

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CotswoldP@reddit

I work with an airport in an earthquake prone region, and I was impressed by their preparations. Seismic sensors on the runway perimeter, in a ring around the airport at a distance of a couple of dozen miles, and they're tied into the national warning system. In the event of a serious tremor the ATC and tower crew are trained to trigger a ground stop, go around, and push approaching flights into a hold, and the maintenance crew can check the runway, aprons, and taxiways in 15 mins to restart operations. I assume the same for buildings but don't remember offhand.

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matron999@reddit (OP)

Amazing! Thank you for sharing!

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