# We're going to die: Couple recounts emergency landing

> Couple on American Airlines flight feared death during emergency landing.
- Title: We're going to die: Couple recounts emergency landing
- Summary: Couple on American Airlines flight feared death during emergency landing. Tessa and Mark Springer survived an American Airlines emergency landing after a…
- Keywords: tessa springer, mark springer, american airlines, st. louis lambert international airport, emergency landing, waterloo illinois, news, local, We're, going, die, Couple
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/10/19/were-going-die-couple-recount-terrifying-emergency-landing-during-american-flight
- Published: 2026-10-19T05:51:26.374+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tessa springer, mark springer, american airlines, st. louis lambert international airport, emergency landing, waterloo illinois, news, local
## Emergency landing
Tessa and Mark Springer, a couple from Waterloo, Illinois, were flying from St. Louis to Pennsylvania for work when their American Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing about 15 minutes after takeoff.

> We’re going to die
## Engine problem
The pilot reported an engine issue before takeoff, saying they couldn't start the engine, but the plane took off roughly two hours later.
## Sudden crash
About 15 minutes into the flight, the plane felt like it hit suddenly, then dropped with oxygen masks falling and the couple fearing death.

> We’re going to die
## Safe landing
The plane returned to St. Louis Lambert International Airport after an odor was reported, landing safely with the couple evacuating by jumping from the wing.
## Key takeaway

Tessa and Mark Springer survived an American Airlines emergency landing after a sudden engine failure.