Screams, smoke and a rush to safety in Dubai crash-landing

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — All seemed normal to the 300 people aboard the Emirates airliner as it flew past the world's tallest building in hazy skies and made a slow left turn over the waters of the Persian Gulf.

By the time it reached the skies over its destination, the scorching mid-day sun had raised temperatures to a humid 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).

Wind shear is a sudden downdraft encountered by aircraft that can be dangerous, especially for planes near the ground.

The control tower at the airport remained in contact with the flight as it slowed and descended toward Runway One-Two-Right, according to air traffic recordings made by aviation website LiveATC.net.

Flight attendants jumped out of their seats as the plane screeched to a stop, opening emergency doors on the craft and inflating the emergency slides.

Trucks quickly surrounded the burning aircraft, spraying foam on it to try to contain the flames.

Minutes later, the crash-landing had closed the world's third-busiest airport, diverting flights for long-haul carrier Emirates and others across the UAE and into other countries.