Inside the cockpit, the captain urgently contacted air traffic control and reported the aircraft's situation.
"This is N371US. The aircraft has malfunctioned. The right engine caught fire for unknown reasons, but the fire has now been extinguished. We are currently flying on a single engine and request permission to land at the nearest airport," the captain said.
"Control center received. We have locked onto your position. You may land at Kansas Airport. I will arrange the route and emergency response measures. Wishing you all the best," the control center replied.
Aircraft were high-risk means of transportation, and contingency plans existed for all kinds of situations. Damage to one engine resulting in single-engine flight was also a crucial part of pilot training. For qualified pilots, flying and landing with a single engine was no problem at all, though it would affect the aircraft's balance to some extent.
The plane's altitude began to decrease steadily, dropping from 9,000 meters to 7,000, then down to 5,000. At that point, the captain's voice sounded through the cabin.
"Passengers, due to a malfunction, we have no choice but to make an emergency landing. The plane will land in Kansas. Although one engine has failed, we still have the other. Believe me—even with only one wing, I will bring everyone safely to the ground. Just stay seated and calm. Leave the rest to me."
As soon as the captain finished speaking, someone began applauding. They were cheering for the captain, and cheering for themselves.
The expressions on people's faces visibly relaxed. They believed the captain's promise, but Jiang Hao's expression did not ease, because the death countdown on the system screen before him was still ticking.
The plane continued flying for half an hour. Then a flight attendant came out and said, "Don't worry, everyone. We're