THIS is the moment the world’s calmest pilot landed his plane after a giant condor smashed through the cockpit window and covered him in blood.
Ecuadorian aviator Ariel Valiente captured the frightening incident before he took control of the yoke and navigated to safety.
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Horrific footage showed the massive bird wedged into the ceiling as its legs dangled in front of the pilot and blocked his view.
The man then turns the camera on himself and appears to be covered in the condor’s blood.
Aviation news outlet FL360aero later confirmed Ariel was able to land the plane safely following the harrowing incident.
The report said: “In Vinces, Los Ríos province of Ecuador, a huge bird struck through the windshield of a crop duster plane mid-air.
“Fortunately, the pilot Ariel Valiente managed to control the situation.”
The video was shared on Twitter and has since gone viral – amassing more than 17 million views.
Graham Wilson, a semi-retired flight instructor, commented on the video and lauded the man for remaining calm.
He said: “When in a stressful situation, pilots will revert to the first thing they learned – That’s why initial training is so important.
“Notice how his right foot automatically went to the ‘car’s brake pedal’… a classic example of the learning factor of ‘primacy’.
“Great job flying the plane by the way, well done.”
During an emergency situation, pilots are reportedly taught to adhere to the axiom “aviate, navigate, communicate”.
Meaning, first to fly the plane, then navigate and finally to speak with air-traffic control when the emergency is under control.
It has not been confirmed what species of bird it was, however, most people believed it was an Andean Condor.
The rare vultures have a 10ft wingspan and can weigh up to 30lbs.
They are found on the Pacific coast of South America are considered the world’s largest bird of prey.
Other social media users were left shocked from the chilling footage.
“I would be crying while landing that plane,” a Twitter user said.
“This is remarkable and he sure is a fantastic pilot,” one added.
“Too close for comfort,” a second remarked.
“I would panic in a situation like that,” another claimed.
In February, a student pilot narrowly escaped death after an eagle smashed into his cockpit window.
James Liveris
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