A daredevil cat has surprised a South American pilot when it emerged clinging for its life on the wing of the plane.

Romain Jantot embarked on a flight at Kourou airport in French Guiana, when minutes after taking off, he and his passenger turned to see the cat hanging onto the light plane’s wing, the ABC reported.

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A video posted to YouTube captured the moment Mr Jantot and his passenger realised they were carrying the extra cargo.

The cat managed to cling on until landing, and appeared relatively calm and chilled throughout the ride.