Part 8/11:
As the aircraft approached the Azores airport—a mere light on the horizon—the pilots executed critical maneuvers to manage their descent. Captain Piche had to think quickly to lose altitude while navigating the gliding aircraft toward the runway, extending gear and slats for extra lift during the perilous approach. The pilots executed a hard landing, the aircraft touching down rapidly, with bursting tires marking the significant stress the plane had endured.