Well, we, as trained pilots, should have studied survival
and always have some minimum supplies, so walking out might
be an option, but sitting it out with the supplies when a
flight plan has been filed and S&R was known to be coming is
the best option.
But was anybody looking that they knew about, were they
close to the route they should have been on? His body
warmth in the car, a group huddle is warmer than just the
mother and two small children.

The miracle is that they all did not die. The mother breast
fed her children, but that would materially shorten her life
due to the use of water and calories.

It was foolish to not have some goose down clothing and
blankets in stuff sacks, they take very little room and are
very warm. Some survival foods, jerky, canned milk, water,
maybe some chocolate bars, nuts, fruit, even a small cooler
with food for the trip would have made a difference.
Calling the AAA to get a road report and maps. Every state
has a road department or police that will tell you about
road closings and weather. The things that they could have
done before hand is a long list, any one or two might have
made the difference.

A simple call to a friend someplace, with a request that
they call out the police if you don't call them by 10 PM
tonight would get S&R looking. Haven't checked, but auto
clubs and car rental agencies could offer "drive plans" as a
service.


"Matt Whiting" wrote in message
...
| Jim Macklin wrote:
| That was the smartest thing they did. Tire smoke is
very
| dark and easy to see in the day time with high clouds,
not
| much good at night or in snow. Neither are flares, but
like
| having extra keys, planning for the emergency may make
it
| not happen.
|
| His worst decision was to try to walk out. On any road,
the
| searchers would have a better chance to see the car.
The
| car was some shelter and that applies to an airplane
too.
| Stay with the crash/landing site. Lay out markers.
|
| I know that is the standard advice, but I'm not sure I
could follow it
| for more than a day or two. Personally, I'd rather die
trying than die
| sitting waiting on someone who may never come.
|
|
| Matt