Watch an MD-80 Jet Almost Blow Away Beachgoers in St. Maarten
There are plenty of reasons to visit St. Maarten — crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, relaxed Caribbean lifestyle and...plane spotting? Yes, plane spotting. The Caribbean island holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts everywhere because its main airport, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is located adjacent to Maho Beach, a sun drenched beach where plane spotters can ditch the sneakers and binoculars for flip-flops and bathing suits to experience airplanes taking off from a front row seat.
In this installment of crazy aviation videos, we wanted to show you the scene at Maho Beach during a takeoff. As this InselAir MD-80 commercial aircraft begins its takeoff roll, bystanders run to the fence to experience the takeoff from about as close as they can get without stepping on the runway. As the aircraft gathers speed, the beachgoers cling to the fence — and their belongings — so they don't get blown away in the process.
Have you experienced a takeoff (or landing) in St. Maarten?