Mike W. wrote:
Some sad news...

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/4763280/detail.html


I was working Sunday when one of the EMT's mentioned an airplane had crashed out
by the airport. A quick call to Bryant Field suggested nobody was missing and
there'd been no Mayday called.

I can't help but think this fellow was circling his father's house when he ran
dry or his engine decided to take a powder. Not that there was anything wrong
with that... nobody suggested he was buzzing, but I have to wonder what he was
circling "looking for a place to land" since he was essentially already in the
pattern for Bryant Field. The newspaper said his parents lived about a mile
from the airport. Purely conjecture at this point....

The other thing that comes to mind is the conception people have on the ground
that he was a hero somehow "because he tried so hard not to hit anything".
Well, don't we all? In my own crash back in 1988 they said the same thing about
the excellent job I'd done avoiding the houses and kids playing in the yards.
At the time I can remember asking: "What kids? What houses?" When something
like this happens your mind focuses on the clear space, not the obstacles.

I'm not knocking this guy. I have no doubt he did the best he could and it just
didn't work out well for him. I am delighted I wasn't flying with him because I
doubt I'd have done any better. But let's not misunderstand what he did or why
he did it. He did what any of us would do... what any of us do. I personally
always try to avoid obstacles when I land, emergency or not.

The public perception is akin to the "great responsibility" airline pilots feel
towards all the folks in back. Actually, the great responsibility is towards
themselves. And if they arrive alive, EVERYBODY arrives alive. These people
aren't bigger than life; they're just real people. But I digress.

The fellow sitting in the back seat of the Bonanza is still in critical
condition at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. That is an excellent trauma
center and if it's possible for the guy to pull through, they'll find it. My
prayers go to him, his family and to the families of the ones who died. They're
the ones who feel the pain.

Please excuse my rambling. This brought back some memories I don't enjoy.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN