Plane Goes Through "Roller Coaster Drop" On Approach Into SBN

A chartered aircraft carrying the University of Southern California football team encountered dicey weather conditions on landing Thursday night in South Bend, IN.

The Associated Press reports the aircraft 'plummeted' due to extreme turbulence encountered during a severe thunderstorm, and that the pilot had to go-around on the first attempt to land. The aircraft touched down safely on the second attempt just before 2100 local time.

USC sports information director Tim Tessalone told the AP some of the 125 people onboard the Delta Air Lines 767 were tossed from their seats by the rough ride.

"It was a little bit of a roller coaster drop there for a minute," Tessalone said. "We had some people fly out of some seats. Everybody is fine, but it was a frightening little dip there."

The players -- used to showing strength on the field, as seen in the Trojans' 5-1 record through Week 7 of the 2007 schedule -- readily admitted to being scared out of their wits during the flight.

"That was terrifying," USC fullback Stanley Havili said. "I thought I was going to die."

There were no injuries onboard, except for defensive end Lawrence Jackson... who pierced the inside of his mouth with a Popsicle stick during the drop.

"It wasn't the worst flight I've ever been on," quarterback John David Booty said. "But it was definitely the biggest drop."

Fortunately for the Trojans, the team faces a far less frightening situation for Saturday -- a game against the hapless Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who are 1-6 on the year.

FMI: http://usctrojans.cstv.com/