I was on a United flight that made an emergency landing. After I saw smoke out the window, I sent goodbye texts.

"I was on my way to Hong Kong for business, just as I had done three times in the past six months. But smoke coming from the plane had me thinking this would be my last flight. The flight was already very delayed. I was one of the last to board. It was then delayed for another hour. The crew said the plane was overweight, and they were taking luggage off it."

"I sent my friend in San Francisco what I thought would be my last message. I told her how to contact my family. I never talk to my family, but if something happened to me, I told her to contact them. I was sitting very close to the gas tank. Imagine taking off your earphones, hearing that there is smoke coming from the flight, and being able to see the smoke it's releasing. I was terrified."

United Flight 869 experienced delays before takeoff, including luggage removal because the crew said the plane was overweight. Shortly after takeoff, visible smoke and a burning smell appeared in the cabin. A passenger in a middle seat saw smoke coming from the plane and heard the pilot announce a return to SFO. Passengers reacted with fear and anxiety; one spoke in Chinese, asking, "Are we fucked?" The passenger sent a friend what he thought would be his last message, instructing how to contact his family. After the emergency landing at SFO and disembarkation, the passenger ate a hearty meal and drank a glass of red wine to unwind.

Read at Business Insider