The amusing scene was captured after a pilot noticed engine difficulties half an hour into a flight to Miami, Florida.
The problems forced them to return to Santa Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, where they originally departed from.
Passengers were believed to be on Swift Air flight WQ1996 and were informed of the problems.
Video taken onboard the aircraft showed people as they displayed an array of emotions.
Some cried, others held hands to recited a prayer and one person recounted emergency landing procedures.
But for one gentleman the tense moment seemed to be a little too much.
Casting his head back, he took a lengthy drink from a large bottle of brown alcohol believed to be whisky.