Girl blown by a plane on Maho Beach in St. Maarten

A woman tried to use a jet engine to blow-dry her locks on a beach of the Caribbean island of St. Maarten which borders an international airport with near-disastrous consequences.

Clearly looking for a thrill, the woman is seen in a video grabbing hold of a fence in the jet wash of a plane preparing to take off, a stunt that appears remarkably popular with sun-worshippers there.

But as the engines pick up speed, so too does the turbulence, which eventually blows her with such force it catapults her backwards.

With arms flailing, she tries to keep on her feet, but is thrown head-first into a low wall. Onlookers come rushing to her aid, although it is not clear what injuries she sustained.

Maho Beach, on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, is famous for its close proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport.

Because of the short runway (2,180 metres), aircraft have to touch down as close as possible to the beginning of the track to ensure a safe landing.

The beach is such a popular location for plane-spotters, most bars and restaurants there have daily departure and arrival boards.

Signs on the beach warn that jet blast can cause injury or death – as the woman found to her cost.