A Russian pilot is being hailed as a hero after making an emergency landing in a wheat field, saving all passengers aboard a Ural Airlines aircraft. The dramatic event unfolded on Tuesday when the Airbus A320, en route from Sochi to Omsk, experienced a technical malfunction that forced the pilot to land the plane off-airport.

Reports indicate that the aircraft, carrying 159 passengers, including 23 children, began experiencing hydraulic system issues as it neared its destination. With no nearby airports available for a safe landing and limited time to act, the pilot made the courageous decision to land in an open wheat field.

Thanks to the pilot’s quick thinking and expert handling of the situation, the landing was successful, with no fatalities or serious injuries reported among the passengers and crew. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, arriving at the scene shortly after the landing to assist with the evacuation.

Passengers described the experience as terrifying but expressed immense gratitude for the crew’s professionalism and the pilot’s skill. One passenger, speaking to Russian media, said: “It was terrifying at first, but the pilot was amazing. Everyone on board remained calm, and we are just thankful to be alive.”

Ural Airlines released a statement praising the actions of the pilot and crew, calling the landing a “remarkable display of professionalism under extreme pressure.” The airline has launched an investigation into the technical malfunction and will be working with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the hydraulic system failure.

This emergency landing has drawn comparisons to other extraordinary aviation feats, with some media outlets already referring to the pilot as the “Russian Sully,” a nod to US Airways Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who famously landed his plane on the Hudson River in 2009.

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, while Ural Airlines has promised to assist passengers and provide support to those affected by the incident.