As a pilot, you prepare yourself for a whole catalogue of disasters to occur on the job.
Chances are, even in the most inventive nightmares, a flying shark isn't in this list. In fact, even a SyFy Channel movie hasn't come up with this one yet. But a pilot for a passenger jet was making the descent to Christchurch International Airport when he called ground control to report the rather odd sight.
The beast was identified as a remote-controlled, helium-filled toy that had been recommended for purely "indoor use".
The toy was apparently one of the most popular in New Zealand this past Christmas, although not with anyone working at the airport. The incident was then transmitted to all incoming, surely bemused pilots as a potential risk.
Needless to say, none of them had any problems.
[via Sydney Morning Herald]