They’re massive pieces of engineering that seem to defy physics as they hang in the air during takeoff and landing, but double-decker passenger airplanes — the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 ...

There were 159 passengers and crew on board. The pilot in command was Captain Dawie Uys, 49, a veteran with more than 13 843 hours flying experience, 3 884 of those on the Boeing 747 aircraft type.

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