In a heart-stopping incident captured on video and shared on social media, a small single-engine Cessna 152 came dangerously close to crashing into a mountainside in Colorado. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon.

According to a brief statement from the FAA, the Cessna 152 was flying near Devil's Thumb when it unexpectedly stalled and began descending. The plane ultimately landed safely at its intended destination. The exact number of passengers on board remains unknown at this time.

Eyewitness Jason Dunn recounted the harrowing experience in a Facebook post. He revealed that he was hiking in the area when he observed the aircraft approach the valley from the opposite side. It quickly became apparent to Dunn that the plane was struggling to clear the saddle.

"As a former licensed pilot, I was worried it would go into an aerodynamic stall," Dunn shared. "Then it either did, or the pilot made a last-ditch effort to turn the plane around in a dead-end valley before crashing into the mountain (or us)."

The footage circulating online shows the small plane making a rapid descent towards the ground before it abruptly ascends once again. The hair-raising incident prompted concerns about the safety of those on board and the potential consequences had the plane crashed.

Greg Boom, the owner of Rocky Mountain Flight School, disclosed that the pilot had rented the Cessna 152 through their establishment. He reassured the public that the aircraft had been thoroughly checked and deemed airworthy prior to the flight. Thankfully, the pilot emerged unscathed from the incident.

"It's a little scary to see," Boom admitted, before adding that the pilot will no longer be permitted to fly with the flight school.

As the FAA investigation unfolds, further details regarding the cause of the plane's stall and subsequent descent are expected to emerge. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols and proficiency in piloting, particularly in challenging terrains.