Dwayne Johnson Shares Heart-Stopping Moment in the Sky: ‘I Thought I Was Done’

Over the weekend, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared a chilling close call from aboard his personal jet. The actor and former wrestling superstar posted a video on social media, recounting a mechanical issue that forced the plane to turn back shortly after taking off from Hawaii en route to Texas.

The journey, intended to deliver Johnson to Houston for the opening weekend of the United Football League’s second season, was suddenly cut short due to a hydraulics issue. Johnson described the unnerving moment when the pilot, identified as Captain David, approached him face-to-face to deliver the bad news.

“The pilot gets down on one knee,” Johnson said in his video. “He’s face-to-face with me, and he says, ‘Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry to inform you but we cannot continue to fly over the ocean. We have a problem. We have to turn the plane around, and we have to land back in Hawaii.’” Johnson praised Captain David for his composure, noting that the pilot explained the overheating hydraulics system and the decision to return to land as a precaution.

Reflecting on the moment, Johnson admitted to thinking about the worst-case scenario. “We all know what it’s like when we hit turbulence and think, ‘Is this it?’ But when the pilot comes out and has that conversation, it takes it to another level.” Johnson credited the flight crew, including the flight attendant who offered him a drink after the announcement, for keeping him calm in the midst of a tense situation.

Though disappointed not to be in Houston for the UFL kickoff, Johnson expressed gratitude for the safe landing and reassured fans, players, and coaches that his absence wasn’t due to a lack of enthusiasm. “I was super pumped to get down there,” he said. “I’m just so bummed that I can’t be there, and I’m so sorry.”

Ultimately, Johnson’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of level-headed decision-making in the face of in-flight challenges. “Captain David did an amazing job,” Johnson said, emphasizing the professionalism of the crew and their commitment to safety.

Super bummed I can’t be in Texas but so grateful we were able to land the plane safely.

So sorry to our @TheUFL fans, players, coaches, staff and our teams at @FOXSports @espn I’m not there.

Let’s have a great season 2 opening weekend, have fun, and ball out. pic.twitter.com/9FgwLIUSS5

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 29, 2025