Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson faces mid-air scare over the ocean, recounts private jet emergency

Dwayne Johnson was en route from Hawaii to Texas when a mechanical issue forced an emergency return
PUBLISHED MAR 31, 2025
Dwayne Johnson shared a terrifying private jet emergency (Getty Images)
Dwayne Johnson shared a terrifying private jet emergency (Getty Images)

HONOLULU, HAWAII: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson recently recounted a terrifying experience aboard his private jet.

The 52-year-old was en route from Hawaii to Texas when a mechanical issue forced an emergency return.

Dwayne Johnson's private jet emergency



 

Johnson, who owns a Gulfstream G650 valued at $65 million, was traveling to attend the United Football League’s (UFL) second season opener in Houston when the incident occurred.

Taking to X on Saturday, March 29, Johnson shared the alarming moment.

"I was ready to go. Man, I was super pumped to get down there to Texas, to rock and roll with all the players and fans, and coaches. I’m just so super bummed that I can’t be there and I’m so sorry,” he wrote, apologizing for his absence at the event.

Dwayne Johnson's private jet pilot's urgent warning

Approximately 35 to 40 minutes into the flight, Dwayne Johnson’s pilot approached him with a dire message.

The aircraft was experiencing a serious hydraulic issue, forcing them to turn back.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Dwayne Johnson attends the 2025 Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
Dwayne Johnson attends the 2025 Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

“The pilot came back to me, got down on one knee, and said, ‘Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry to inform you, but we cannot continue to fly over the ocean. We have a problem,’” Johnson revealed.

The former wrestling champion commended the pilot for prioritizing safety, saying, “There are some issues you can work out in the air, and some where you just don’t take a chance, especially over the ocean.”

Dwayne Johnson reflects on mortality

Dwayne Johnson admitted that the moment made him ponder life’s fragility.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 09:  Dwayne Johnson attends the premiere of Sony Pictures'
Dwayne Johnson arrives at the Premiere Of Sony Pictures' 'Jumanji: The Next Level' held at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California (Getty Images)

“Like many of us when we hit turbulence, I thought, ‘Is this it? Is this how I check out?’” he shared.

The actor lightened the mood by recalling his response when the flight attendant offered him anything he needed.

“I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll take a drink—make it a double,’” said the WWE legend, according to Daily Mail.

Dwayne Johnson's gratitude and reflection after a safe landing

Though disappointed about missing the UFL event, Dwayne Johnson expressed immense gratitude.

“Bottom line: I’m grateful to be back on the ground. I appreciate God, the universe, and my crew for getting us back safely,” said the 52-year-old actor.

While he wishes he could have been in Houston, Johnson took the incident as a sign to appreciate what truly matters in life.


LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock attends the
Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock attends the 'Red One' Fan Screening Event at Vue Westfield on November 06, 2024 in London, England (Getty Images)

“When you’re alone with your drink, hoping to make it back safely, you realize real quick what’s important,” he reflected.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025