The pilot in this video experienced my aviation nightmare. Engine failure in a single engine aircraft. In IMC. Picknig ice. Over mountainous terrain. Could it be worse? Ok, it was not at night.
This video contains audio recording of the communication between the pilot and Seattle Center plus pictures of the aircraft and its equipment. This video should be used in all emergency trainings. It shows perfect examples in many areas:
- Pilot stays calm and in control
- Extra speed is used to maintain altitude, and the “aviate – navigate – communicate” trilogy of priorities is respected at all times
- The pilot interacts with the controller as with a crew member, and all ATC resources are used
- The controller stays calm as well and acts in a supportive but not intrusive way
Check the video and let me know what you would have done differently, I can’t wait to see your comments.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Actually, the pilot is on his own in the aircraft, at some point he says “we’” then adds “I’m solo, when I say ‘we’ I mean me and the rock in my pocket”
What I find most amazing is that right near the start of the conversation with ATC the pilot correctly identifies the problem as being an issue with the hose of one of the two turbos. Congratulations to the pilot for 1/ knowing his aircraft systems and 2/ being able to think clearly under pressure.
With a little sleuthing, I found the FlightAware track for this flight:
http://bit.ly/N913MP
Amazing pilot response! Demonstrated good knowledge of his systems and more impressively, showed outstanding PIC attitude in dealing with the situation.
Not sure I would have done anything different. In fact, I hope if I am in that situation, I will fare as well!
Thanks for the track, Yock. The way he maintained speed within a few knots is amazing. One can also see how he first traded speed for altitude.
Vincent, great post!
I am glad someone finds these and shares them with us.
This goes to show you that calm heads and some great training can displace most of the danger of an emergency.
John a/k/a JetAviator7
Thank you John. Remaining calm in the cockpit is indeed the key to a sucessful ending. I never had such a ctitical case to deal with mysel, but I guess you did. What was your worst emergency ever?
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