For those of us who have spent a great deal of our life in the air, we know that emergencies are rare. I have always joked that the most dangerous part of my career was the trip on the expressway getting to work! Though I said that jokingly, I felt it was true!
We who flew the Convair 580 Turbo Prop have often sung it's praises on how sturdy and tough that bird was! It became apparent to me in my first year of flying!
As a "New" Stewardess I regularly reviewed my emergency procedures, wanting to be prepared for whatever may happen. I'd run through "what if's" in my head. But nothing imaginary is quite like the real thing!
On this particular day I traveled North from Detroit, making numerous stops along the way. It was a long day!
On the way back, heading towards Detroit we had a full aircraft- 48 passengers and myself, along with the Captain and First Officer. It was fairly late in the day, already past sunset.
The legs (flights from one stop to another) were fairly short. I know we had one more stop before landing in Detroit. (My memory has lost the airport we were flying into. I want to say it was Kalamazoo, Michigan- but I'm not sure about that! I'll write off the memory lapse to happening 51 years ago!)
On this particular leg of the trip we were preparing to land. I had given the landing announcement, checked seatbelts and luggage going from the back to the front. Once I reached the front of the aircraft I realized we were coming in Fast!! I knew I probably wouldn't make it back to my jump seat before we landed! (Landing while on your feet was a big no-no for safety!)
I raced down the isle!! I got just about midway when BLAM! BLAM! The aircraft shook! I'm hanging on to the overhead rack, staring out the left windows at a ball of fire!
And then with a banging jolt we landed! Just as we touched down the cowling (engine cover) flew open exposing the left engine in flames!
We then came to a screeching halt! I'm still hanging on to the overhead rack! My mind raced!
Three of our four exits were on that left side! We had the front stairs, a left over wing emergency exit- and the rear emergency door exit with a slide! That left one over wing exit on the right side!
Which way was the wind blowing? Could I safely get these people out the front stairway of the aircraft? I also knew I was suppose to wait for a signal from the cockpit to evacuate. I silently prayed that the fire wouldn't hit the fuel tanks! Of course, this all happened in my mind in a matter of seconds!
What happened next came as a surprise to us all! The Cockpit door flew open! There stood the Captain with the large fire extinguisher from the cockpit. He let down the stairs, ran to the left engine, and began fighting the blaze! By now the passengers on the right side of the aircraft were on their feet, staring out the left windows, watching the Captain!
I will note that I remember no hysteria, no panic from the passengers. It was all happening so fast- I think they all just were trying to take it all in!
I couldn't believe it! The Captain was putting out the fire!! A moment or two later agents from the airport drove up, screeched to a halt and brought another fire extinguisher!
When the fire was out the Captain returned to the aircraft. He did so to the cheers and applause of all on board. He had soot on his face and uniform- but gave the cabin a dazzling smile as he returned to the cockpit.
After a lengthy time on the radios with the company he made the announcement that another aircraft would be coming to bring passengers to their destination.
Our aircraft stayed where it had stopped, waiting for a tow into the gate area. That aircraft was not going to be taxing anywhere on it's own!
The passengers deplaned to either walk or be driven to the terminal. As passengers deplaned many stopped by the cockpit to offer congratulations on getting "the job done"! A few had questions, which the Captain graciously answered.
We stayed with the aircraft. Eventually the aircraft was towed to the gate, the agent found us hotel rooms for the night, and that ended a very long day!
I remember having a hard time falling asleep, tired as I was. Looking back it probably was adrenaline. But I tossed and turned for a long while before going to sleep.
I had heard of emergency landings with some part of the aircraft on fire. It was surreal to me that I actual witnessed it! I was also a bit dumbfounded that our Captain actually got out and quickly put out the blaze! I had always pictured emergency crews and fire engines! I had a new respect for the people in the cockpit!
An airplane landed to pick up our passengers, also bringing a mechanic and engine parts. I have no idea what caused the fire nor what was being replaced. I do know that the mechanic worked through the night to get the aircraft ready to return to the Detroit maintenance base.
The next morning I was told that we would not "Ferry" the aircraft back to Detroit. (That's airline talk for having no passengers on board- usually due to mechanical issues) The engine probable would need to be replaced or overhauled.
The next flight that came in took us back to Detroit, as passengers this time instead of crew members. Our slightly scorched Convair wasn't moving for a while!
When we took off the sky was overcast- heavy with clouds. I had a window seat so could watch as we broke through the clouds to a brilliant sun shinning on the clouds below. I remember the wonderful colors that morning, floating above the clouds- gold hues, shades of blue and grey, mingled with sparkling sunshine!
I think I could have stayed up there for hours, soaking in the beauty! As it was the flight only lasted about 20 minutes, then down we came through the clouds to land in Detroit.
That was my first "emergency" experience. Perhaps to the seasoned crew member it was not so profound, but this particular experience has stayed with me. It renewed my faith in both the aircraft, training, and crew members!
As the years "Flew" by there were other emergencies- but I think the first one always sticks with you! The sounds, smells, and visual is as clear today as when it happened.
I have to ask myself "Was that a true emergency?" By definition an emergency is a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action, so I guess that situation qualifies. I'm glad I had that experience early in my career. It gave me the "What will be will be" attitude, which served me well for the remaining 38 years!
All's well that ends well! This experience was just one of the colorful threads that make up the tapestry of my career memories!
Thank you for coming along as I meander through my personal path of "Remembering"!
Until next time, Dear Readers!
Remember! Life Is Indeed and Adventure, Even when It's A Bumpy Ride!
6 comments:
I was with you, every Breath of the way!
Dear YNG- What more could a Story Teller ask for than to have a reader live the event with you! That's the Highest compliment! Thank You!!
Marcy Padrta
aka The Flight Nun
Your story left me breathless !
Dear Marge- Thank you for your comment! It's a writers dream to have the reader experience the event right along with you!!
Marcy Padrta
aka The Flight Nun
Holy Ike! With the exception of the cowling falling off, was it just a hard landing? Was something else going on? I sat reading this with baited breath. Good job. - Jan
Dear Jan- Thank you for your comment! Indeed we had something going on, since the fire exploded just before landing. I have no idea what the cause was- but sure was and is grateful for the Captain's fast thinking! I'm happy you enjoyed the story!
Marcy Padrta
aka The Flight Nun
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