Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was left convinced he was going to die after being caught in a terrifying private plane incident that forced an emergency return to Hawaii. The incident occurred approximately 40 minutes into what should have been a routine flight across the Pacific Ocean.
The 52-year-old actor and former WWE star had been en route from Hawaii to Houston to take part in the opening weekend of the United Football League’s second season when the aircraft encountered serious mechanical issues that led the pilot to tell the wrestler-turned-actor they were in crisis. The UFL, formed from a merger of the XFL and USFL, has been gaining popularity with viewers tuning in for its season opener.
“The pilot comes back to me, he gets down on one knee, and he is face-to-face with me,” Johnson said in a chat with fans. “It’s just me on the plane. Just me and the crew. And he says, ‘Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry to inform you but we cannot continue to fly over the ocean. We have a problem.'” Private aircraft like the one Johnson was traveling in typically fly at high altitudes above sea level.
Johnson also described how, 35 to 40 minutes into the flight, the pilot made the decision to turn back due to a hydraulic overheating issue. Aviation experts note that hydraulic systems are crucial for controlling various flight components including landing gear and wing flaps.
He added: “He explained to me what happened, and he said it was a hydraulics issue with overheating. “He said there are some issues we can work out as we are in the air, and then there’s some that we are not going to take a chance on, especially over the ocean.” Hydraulic failures can be particularly dangerous over water, where emergency landings become significantly more challenging.
The former wrestling champion had been scheduled to appear on the field in Houston to help generate excitement for the UFL season opener last week – an event he had been eagerly anticipating, and which he apologized to fans for missing due to the emergency. Johnson has been a strong supporter of the UFL since its formation.
He added: “I was ready to go. Man, I was super pumped to get down there to Texas, to rock and roll with all the players and fans and coaches.” The Houston event drew a crowd of fans despite Johnson’s absence.
Johnson added he was “so super bummed” he failed to make the event. His appearance was meant to be a highlight of the opening ceremonies.
His chat with fans came on Saturday, March 29, but has only now come to light. The revelation has sparked concern among his social media followers worldwide.
Johnson also recounted how he feared he would die in the flight emergency, adding. “Is this it? Is this how I check out?” This candid admission from the normally unflappable action star highlights the severity of the situation.
He praised the flight crew for their composure during the ordeal, particularly the pilot, whose “demeanor in that moment” reassured him. Commercial airline pilots undergo extensive emergency training, with many hours dedicated specifically to crisis management.
He added as he waited in his seat, contemplating the gravity of the situation, a flight attendant approached him who astounded him with her reaction. Private flight attendants are trained to maintain calm during emergencies while continuing to provide service.
Johnson said: “She was amazing. She goes, ‘Mr. Johnson, can I get you anything?'” The actor, who is known for his positive attitude even in difficult circumstances, found humor in the moment.
“I told her she could get me a drink and make it a double. When you are back there alone with just your drink, and you are thinking about this, and you’ve got everything crossed hoping you make it back safely, you start to realize really quickly the s–t that is really important in life.” This perspective-altering experience echoes what many survivors of near-death incidents report.
“Bottom line is: I’m grateful to be back on the ground. I’m grateful to be back home in Hawaii … I appreciate God, the universe. I took this as a sign from God and the universe. I wish though I was there in Houston, Texas.” Johnson maintains a residence in Hawaii, where he frequently spends time connecting with his Polynesian heritage.
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