An unexpected and chaotic scene unfolded on the tarmac of a major U.S. airport when an airport fuel technician lost control of a high-pressure fuel hose while refueling an American Airlines jet. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, shows the powerful hose whipping wildly across the ground as startled workers scramble to regain control.
The video, which quickly went viral after surfacing online, begins with the worker performing a routine fuel connection under the aircraft’s wing. Suddenly, the hose appears to dislodge, spraying fuel and thrashing violently like a live wire. Within seconds, the worker jumps back while another crew member rushes in to assist. For several tense moments, the hose continues to lash uncontrollably before being shut off from the main valve.
Witnesses said the sound was like a “jet engine roar.” One employee, who asked not to be named, described the scene: “It was chaos. That thing was moving with insane force. Everyone nearby had to back off fast.”
Airport officials later confirmed that the incident occurred during a routine pre-flight refueling operation and that no injuries or fire hazards were reported. The plane, which was bound for Dallas, was delayed for several hours while maintenance crews inspected the fueling system and cleared the area.
According to experts, aviation fuel hoses operate under extreme pressure, and losing control of one can be dangerous. “Jet fuel pumps move hundreds of gallons per minute,” explained Robert Lane, an aviation safety consultant. “If the coupler slips or the pressure regulator malfunctions, that hose becomes a powerful, whipping hazard. It can break bones, damage aircraft, or ignite fuel vapors if not handled properly.”
An initial investigation suggests that a mechanical fault in the locking clamp may have caused the connection to fail. The worker involved was reportedly a veteran technician with over seven years of experience. The airline has since launched a full safety review of all fueling equipment at the airport.
Passengers on the delayed flight were unaware of the drama unfolding just outside the terminal. “I saw flashing lights near the plane, but I thought it was normal maintenance,” one traveler recalled. “Then I saw the video online later and realized how bad it could have been.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is reviewing the incident but emphasized that the situation was handled professionally. “The quick response by ground crew and safety personnel prevented what could have been a much more serious accident,” an FAA spokesperson said.
While the event caused no lasting damage, it has prompted renewed calls for stricter safety checks on fueling operations and training refreshers for ground crew across the aviation industry.
As the clip continues to circulate, millions have commented on how something so routine could turn dangerous in seconds — a reminder that even the smallest lapse in aviation safety can spiral into chaos faster than anyone expects.
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