A breathtaking helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon nearly turned tragic when a passenger's innocent curiosity almost led to disaster. A TikTok video captured the heart-stopping moment, showing the passenger reaching for a crucial control lever, prompting a panicked shout from the pilot: "No! No! That will kill us!"

The incident unfolded during a scenic flight over the iconic landmark. Cherlin Bijlsma, a 27-year-old tourist from the Netherlands, recorded the shocking event. The video clearly shows the passenger in the front seat reaching for the lever just moments after the pilot had touched it.

Bijlsma recounted the pilot's frantic reaction and the passenger's seemingly oblivious smile in response. Although a language barrier may have played a role, the severity of the situation was evident. The passenger, accompanied by what appeared to be her daughter, was apparently unaware that manipulating the rotor brake lever mid-flight could have catastrophic consequences.

As reported by The New York Post, this lever is designed for ground use only, to halt the propeller's rotation after landing. Activating it hundreds of feet in the air could have resulted in a fatal crash. Upon landing, Bijlsma and another passenger expressed their gratitude to the pilot for averting disaster. The pilot, visibly shaken, reportedly responded with a relieved, "Oh my, oh my."

The viral TikTok video has sparked numerous comments and questions, with many users wondering how the passenger ended up in the co-pilot seat and speculating about the potential repercussions of her actions.

Bijlsma also shared a second video of the helicopter's takeoff, showcasing the breathtaking views and the passengers enjoying the experience before the near-fatal incident occurred.