Young pilot guided back to runway after losing landing gear

When 21-year-old rookie pilot Taylor Hash took off last Friday in Michigan, veteran pilot Chris Yates realized something was off — literally. She had lost part of her front landing gear, but he helped her calmly and safely land the plane while she was alone in the air. NBC’s Gadi Schwartz reports for TODAY.

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[jrod]

Classic example of "aviate, navigate, communicate"! What a wonderful story and outcome...sure had me tearing up a bit.

[randyporter]

I've been a pilot for decades and I have to say THIS was incredible. I mean it, the pilot (Taylor) was so impressive. She is exactly who we all want in the air with us. The CFI was amazing ! He knew EXACTLY what to say, and what to not say. He became Taylor's guiding angel, while the controller was perfect ! This incident was more valuable to Taylor than any training she could buy. She just got confirmation of her ability in a way most pilots never get. Well young lady, you did it ! You will NEVER forget this day and the two friends that helped you through it. You now KNOW you can handle it. Congratulations Taylor, you have the right stuff. Safe skies and welcome !

[ricksmith]

As a retired Professional Pilot who first learned to fly at that very same airport a lifetime ago, I only have one thing to say to her...Welcome to our world young lady, you're awesome!! To Chris the instructor, this has got to be the feel-good story of your career!! Great job!!

[josephking]

On her *third solo* and managed to cope with this. Taylor shall make a magnificent contribution to the ranks of us professional pilots. She did really *really* well. Don't give up on your goal Taylor and I wish you all the very best in our amazing profession. CAVU, blue skies and tailwinds! 👍

[flyoverfredusa]

when you listen to the full recording you realise how amazing Chris was, outstanding

[aerator]

I call my daughter kiddo also and it made me cry while watching this beautiful story with such a happy ending.

[Peacewind]

I'm a fully licensed private pilot and I don't think I would have had Taylor's level of calm. She is going places in the aviation sector. Amazing flying, especially for someone only on her THIRD solo. Great support team there as well.

[Stellar]

"My daughter's name is Taylor... you are going to be okay" We need each other more than ever.

[AM-xvjx]

I saw a clip of this, I believe on TikTok and I couldn't help but get emotional .... He was so reassuring and created the calm she needed to bring that plane down safely....Taylor you did an amazing job with your angel's help on landing. ❤ Much love to both of you!

[ThatCodeBlue]

Taylor is humble and trusting in the perfect instructor in Chris. It’s evident that she’s a ready-made asset to any career path she takes.

[GreatDataVideos]

Also, there was another pilot in the air following her in case she needed help, and the female controller was great as well. Everyone did a wonderful job at trying to keep her calm and bring her down safely. As someone who had the front gear not lock in place until right before landing, I can understand her concerns. The controller helped me calm down as well. Taylor did phenomenally well for a student pilot!

[kevintaylor]

If you listen to the full audio (I think the channel is VASA aviation or something) it really was handled amazingly by everyone. Right to the end. The Student, The Instructors (her own, and that guy), The Controller, and every other pilot in the area who stayed out of her way and off the radio.

[rocioruiz]

I wish Chris was my father… 😢 wonderful story

[fastfiddler]

Just shy of 5600 hours. 250 learning, 1000 as an instructor, the rest in my four airlines, and I've never had any major emergencies like that. Just goes to show, you have to be ready at any point because it might be in your first week, your last week when you're old, or never. If she gets back in the seat, she will have a great confidence boost for her career.

[michaelreid]

I listened to the whole thing on the VASAvation video. Massive kudos to Taylor, for the way she kept calm and worked the problem. Equally big ups to Chris, the ATC, and another in the air behind her, who stood by ready to help.

[MegaZipz]

When she says thank you very much and her voice cracked that made me tear up 😢

[DellaClever]

What wasn't said here but is on the ATC recordings is this that was only her 3rd solo flight. I am very impressed with Taylor & her ability to stay calm, fly & communicate...I bet you anything she's going to be an amazing pilot & I asset to which ever Airline is lucky enough to hire her!

[kevingrammes]

What a story. Awesome job by all involved! Taylor you kept calm, and did the number 1 thing we were all taught...Fly the airplane... Best wishes and keep working toward your goal, you will do great.

[Steve-pkok]

The media as usual failed to mention the professionalism of ATC. I received my flight training and certification from that same airport, and I can tell you without hesitation that the professionals in that tower are also a huge factor in her success.

[CentristRN]

I get the impression she would have done fine on her own. However, the reassurance and support by Chris shows how great the community is.