Cyprus-Forum.com

[Novus]

.....not one major injury.

Both engines went out right after takeoff. The pilot was able to aim for the water and deadstick land it on the icy water gently enough so that no one got seriously hurt. The plane floated just enough for the passengers to get out and wait on the wings until nearby ferry boats could pick them up.

Talk about luck and skill!



http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/15/new.yo ... index.html

[Novus]

[Oracle]

A thankfully lucky escape for all, and truly praiseworthy work by the pilots. Brilliant photo-opportunity, since no one was hurt

The plane itself looks so sad and sorry

Did the passengers get to wear their little inflatable jackets?

[Novus]

I saw some wearing them inflated in some of the footage they showed.

[Paphitis]

Don't know how true this is, but apparently some of the passengers actually inflated their lifejackets before leaving the aircraft. This just highlights that many passengers quite often take air travel for granted and do not pay any attention to any pre take off safety brief about lifejackets, evacuation, brace, seat belts and oxygen masks.

It was extremely fortunate that the aircraft ditched in one of the busiest rivers in the world. The temperature in New York was minus 6 degrees Celsius. Had it ditched anywhere else, then there could very well have been some fatalities.

[Oracle]

Don't know how true this is, but apparently some of the passengers actually inflated their lifejackets before leaving the aircraft. This just highlights that many passengers quite often take air travel for granted and do not pay any attention to any pre take off safety brief about lifejackets, evacuation, brace, seat belts and oxygen masks.

It was extremely fortunate that the aircraft ditched in one of the busiest rivers in the world. The temperature in New York was minus 6 degrees Celsius. Had it ditched anywhere else, then there could very well have been some fatalities.

Apart from impeding your movement a little, how serious is it to inflate life-jackets inside the plane, and why

[Paphitis]

Don't know how true this is, but apparently some of the passengers actually inflated their lifejackets before leaving the aircraft. This just highlights that many passengers quite often take air travel for granted and do not pay any attention to any pre take off safety brief about lifejackets, evacuation, brace, seat belts and oxygen masks.

It was extremely fortunate that the aircraft ditched in one of the busiest rivers in the world. The temperature in New York was minus 6 degrees Celsius. Had it ditched anywhere else, then there could very well have been some fatalities.

Apart from impeding your movement a little, how serious is it to inflate life-jackets inside the plane, and why

You should only inflate your jacket after leaving and when well clear of the aircraft.

If you inflate your jacket prematurely, then you risk rupturing the air cell or drowning.

If you do not evacuate in a timely fashion, and the cabin is filled with water, you will be unable or find it difficult to swim down to the emergency exit in order to leave the aircraft, due to your jacket's buoyancy. If you do not deflate your jacket quickly, or remove it all together, you could drown.

Even after you deflate, the jacket can be re-inflated by the oral inflate tube.

It is very important for passengers to listen very carefully during the emergency brief. Passengers should also take the time to review the emergency information card located at the front packet. This is especially true for adults accompanying minors.

Aviation is statistically the safest mode of transport, but never take anything for granted.

[paliometoxo]

thankfull no one was seriously hurt and thanks to the pilot who probably kept calm and did not crash into land but water and kept the passangers safe.. such bad news still to hear the plane crash and for the people on the airoplane, i think that kind of thing would put me off flying forever

[Novus]

thankfull no one was seriously hurt and thanks to the pilot who probably kept calm and did not crash into land but water and kept the passangers safe.. such bad news still to hear the plane crash and for the people on the airoplane, i think that kind of thing would put me off flying forever

There is a report that one passenger, as soon as he got on the ferry, was calling US Airways to book another flight to get to his destination. He called to get another flight before he even called his wife and the rest of his family to tell them he was alright.
I think we can say he would be exception to the rule.

[Loukanico]

Novus,I know you`re not criticising the passengers but remember that when someone thinks they are about to die, the last thing on their mind is the proper procedure! Panic and instinct sets in and many of us would do whatever it takes to survive. Even if it means killing the person in front of them to get out the door sooner.
I used to work in the offshore oil industry (N.Sea) where you had to complete an Offshore survival course before you could set foot on a rig. Part of that training involved helicopter escape where a mock heli was submerged in a cold water tank. The heli was lowered at speed into the tank and turned upside down. We were required to stay in our seats with belt on until the heli stopped moving, then we had to escape through the nearest window or door depending on where we were. Imagine, upside down, under water and in the dark. Even though we were briefed before hand, had a couple of upright runs and new it was just an exercise, you would be surprised how many people lose it and panic.
It`s quite a handy Certificate to have if you are tall and go on holiday on a plane. The airport computers see you have done the course and you get offered a seat near an emergency escape. Loads of room for my long legs.
I also fly RC Helicopters and had an engine cut out once where I had to perform an auto-rotation. That got the adrenaline going. Seemed a big thing at the time, but nothing compared to the skill and super human quick thinking of those pilots (Hero`s) with a plane full of people.
They deserve medals.