Think flying in an unforgiving, driving rainstorm is scary difficult? Try replacing the droplets of water with sand. Because that’s precisely what this United States military pilot deals with in this frightening footage captured by a cockpit camera back in 2003 in the Persian Gulf.

According to its source, the video shows a fighter pilot attempting to land on an aircraft carrier with, as you’ll see, no visibility. That is, until the very last second, when the mighty landing ship appears like a giant metallic magic carpet in the aviator’s windswept tan display.

More on the incredible landing from Foxtrot Alpha:

A massive sandstorm occurred during the last week of March, 2003 as U.S. forces were pushing toward Baghdad. It largely shut the war down, and aircraft had to scatter to their bases in a chaotic affair as the storm rolled in.