### Pontypridd Man Stages Mid-Air ‘Emergency’ to Set Up Sky-High Proposal
A pilot from Pontypridd devised an unconventional and heart-pounding way to propose to his partner, faking a dramatic emergency landing during their very first flight together. The unique mid-air proposal, which has since captured the imagination of thousands online, turned a regular afternoon out into a truly unforgettable story.
Josh Matthews, aged 33, spent years working towards his pilot’s licence, which he finally achieved earlier this year. But learning to fly was only part of his romantic plan; from the outset, he had dreamed of whisking his partner, Jo Gornall, up into the clouds for a memorable moment they would both cherish forever. The couple, both 33, currently live in Llantwit Fardre and share four children.
Their story began four years ago while both worked at Greggs – Josh as a delivery driver and Jo serving in a branch. A year into the relationship, Josh was already harbouring intentions of marriage and started to plot how he would pop the question. It was never going to be a standard proposal.
The couple travelled to Gloucestershire’s Kemble airfield—the base for the light aircraft Josh now flies—for what Jo believed was simply a celebratory trip for Josh’s maiden flight as a qualified pilot. Little did she know that their day would take a thrilling turn and set social media abuzz.
Describing the big day, Josh explained: “Since passing my test, I’d decided that Jo would be the first person I’d ever take along as a passenger. I planned for us to fly from Kemble to Shobdon and back—a route I know well from my pilot training.” Still, the return leg of the journey was weighing heavily on his mind. Hidden in his pocket was an engagement ring, waiting for the perfect moment.
Shortly after they began their journey back to Kemble, Josh put his carefully rehearsed plan into action. As they gained altitude, he calmly announced to Jo that there was a problem with the throttle and they would need to prepare for an emergency landing—a scenario every pilot trains to handle but hopes never comes true. Jo, naturally, became anxious yet relied on her faith in Josh’s abilities.
Keeping up the pretence, Josh even announced a ‘mayday’ over the radio and instructed Jo to tighten her seatbelt, indicating which fields they might have to land in and talking her through the safety procedures. As the aircraft descended towards the ground, Jo’s nerves were clearly fraying. Reflecting on it afterwards, she admitted, “He’s always had a mischievous side, but I never expected this – especially not up in the air!”
As the plane approached just 50-80 feet above the ground, and before things became too realistic, Josh ‘recovered’ the throttle and pulled the plane out of its descent. With Jo still reeling from the shock and confusion, he presented the engagement ring and asked, “Will you make me the happiest man in this cockpit? Will you marry me?” The timing may have been unconventional, but the sentiment was time-honoured. Jo, overcome with emotion, immediately said yes.
The moment was recorded on video, later shared online, and soon drew thousands of views. For Jo, it remains an experience she’s still digesting: “I honestly can’t believe it. I was just expecting lunch and a flight—not this!” Josh, meanwhile, arranged every detail meticulously and had privately sought the blessing—and forewarned—Jo’s father and sister about the unique proposal.
Post-flight, the newly engaged couple celebrated with a traditional pint of Guinness, capping the whirlwind day before heading off for a family holiday. They say they have already set their sights on an equally original wedding: a Las Vegas elopement at the famed Little White Chapel, followed by festivities with friends and family back home.
Their story has undeniably resonated with friends, family, and social media viewers alike. The blend of suspense and romance, engineered by Josh’s flyer’s spirit and dash of mischief, has delighted those who have watched the viral video. Reflecting on his successful surprise, Josh said, “She had no clue at all. The reaction from everyone has just been amazing.”
For some, a proposal with an element of risk may seem daunting, but for Josh and Jo, this unconventional adventure in the skies marked the perfect start to the next chapter of their lives together. With plans underway for a wedding as individual as their engagement story, it’s clear this couple are flying high in more ways than one.