On January 26, 1972, the world was stunned by a miraculous survival story that defied all odds. Vesna Vulović, a Serbian flight attendant, fell from an airplane at 33,000 feet and lived to tell the tale. Her extraordinary survival remains one of the most incredible feats in aviation history, earning her a spot in the Guinness World Records.
A Plane Explosion at 33,000 Feet
Vesna Vulović’s life was forever changed during a routine flight from Stockholm to Belgrade. The JAT Yugoslav Airlines DC-9, on which she was aboard, was ripped apart mid-flight after a bomb exploded in the cargo hold. The explosion sent the plane into a free fall, and Vulović, who was in the rear of the aircraft, was ejected. She plummeted through the sky, facing a terrifying and life-threatening descent.
How Did She Make It?
Vesna’s survival is nothing short of miraculous. The factors that contributed to her survival include the plane’s wreckage and the terrain below. As she fell, the scattered wreckage of the aircraft slowed her descent, and she ultimately landed in a heavily wooded, snow-covered area. The shock absorbed by the wreckage and the soft ground played a role in breaking her fall.
She was also fortunate to land in an area where a local villager found her and called for help. Despite sustaining serious injuries—including broken bones, a fractured skull, and a coma—Vulović was alive.
The World Record
Vesna Vulović’s freefall remains a world record. She fell for more than two minutes, covering a distance of approximately 33,000 feet. The odds of surviving such a fall are nearly impossible, but her story has become a testament to the unpredictability of life and the human spirit’s resilience.
Legacy and Inspiration
Vesna Vulović’s survival story has uplifted countless individuals around the world. After her recovery, she returned to her job as a flight attendant and went on to live a fulfilling life, sharing her story of hope, survival, and the will to persevere. She later said, “I was the luckiest woman alive.” Her legacy continues to remind us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, survival is possible.
