The plane’s captain announced that the flight, which was headed to Tennessee from Maine, was being diverted to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport because they needed a longer runaway, according to a press release.

He then warned passengers to expect a rough landing and flight attendants went over emergency crash positions.

“As we descended toward the airport, the flight attendants made repeated announcements to ‘duck and brace, duck and brace,’” Mates said. “When we touched down, you could feel the plane was moving faster than it usually does for a normal landing.

“When the pilots pushed on the brakes, the plane vibrated, and then we finally came to a stop. I lifted my head from the crash position and looked out of the window to see several fire trucks, ambulances and other safety vehicles.”

Passengers later learned the plane’s wing flaps didn’t work when the pilots were cleared for landing.

“It was a pretty crazy, exciting, scary experience to say the least. One I won’t forget!” Mate said.

Emerson Drive’s new album, Believe, will be released this spring.