DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by slowstream »

floatpilot wrote:
slowstream wrote:floatpilot,

Its just my opinion but go away already!

This thread was about an ND experience, if you want to piss all over it then go to that accident thread do your spraying there would you.
EDITED

floatpilot,

Apparently you have a comprehension challenge, NDE involved with a aircraft accident does relate to aviation forum, I wouldn't think that would too difficult to grasp but apparently you struggle with that.

You're very correct I will pass over all of your comments in this thread and every other one included, since you clearly identified yourself as nothing but an antagonist and likely in need to some help.

No need to reply, as I said I won't bother with reading any further posts from you.

Good luck to you
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by MUSKEG »

And I quote float pilot. "This crash was totally preventable." Sure and so was your conception floatpilot. But it wasn't, so what are you making of it?
I appreciate your honesty flyinthebug.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by bmc »

Wow. That's quite a story. Thank you for sharing that. It's amazing how moments like this change your perspective on living and on life in general.

I hope you are back flying. What was it like when you first climbed back into an airplane?
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by Rudder Bug »

I was wondering too Bug; have you been in a Beaver since?
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by flyinthebug »

bmc and Rudder Bug...

I have not only not flown in a DHC2 but havent even done a commercial flight yet. I havent been more than 5 feet off the ground since they took my medical. Im dealing with it and really do want to fly again. With the injuries I sustained to my eye and left arm, my CAME said he was sincerely sorry, but he couldnt even approve a Restricted CAT 1 (double vision from my eye being popped out and having to be repacked, and only 10% use of my left arm). I cant even hold a CAT3 to retain my PPL. My flying days are over now. I do remain in management though and I am still in the industry. That wasnt a big leap as I was in those positions when I was still flying. One of these days, im gonna jump in a DHC2 and go for a blast. I admit ill be nervous at first, but will also ensure I have a LONG ass lake in front of me to do my first TO from. Cat Driver was kind enough a while back to offer to take me for a spin in his husky, and I think that will be my first flight if Cat`s offer still stands? I cant think of anyone (other than Doc) that id rather have in the right seat on that first take off.

I miss flying more than ive ever missed anything in my life. Being a pilot was my dream from a young boy. When something that you love so much is taken away from you, its only then that you can truly see how this industry can define you. I thought being a pilot was just one small piece of what made up "me"...but turns out it was a huge part of who I was and now ive had to learn the "new me". It changed me and my course in life...but im still standing and obviously have support from many of my peers and colleagues. Thanks all for your comments and kind words in this thread.

Fly safe all!
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Last edited by flyinthebug on Wed May 29, 2013 10:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by Rowdy »

Image

Dont worry about any of the arse holes who sling mud my friend. They will always try and drag you down to their level just to get a rise out of you. I dont know why.. maybe they've got something to make up for or prove?

Funny, that its only in aviation that we dissect and immediately have blame laid directly on the pilot, regardless of the overall picture. As he/she is human and prone to error and well.. the stage has been set for decades that the buck stops there. If a bus driver slide his steed off a slippery/icey highway mid winter into a van full of underpriviledged children, they certainly wouldnt rest the blame directly on him. 'It was icey, he was tired, the weather and vis were bad, the bus didnt have chains, why was the van so close in such conditions, why wasnt he trained for icey roadways etc etc.' I just shake my head now. Even the workers comp boards have gone away from blaming individuals, unless there was 100% direct negligence. But even in those cases, there is always some other factor.

I had some mild trepidation about getting into a 206.. but at the end of the day, it's just an airplane.

Anyways, Stay honest, stay open and most of all stay safe! If you're ever back out west and feel like a ride in the beav. You know where to find me ;)
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by MUSKEG »

Flyinthebug. PM
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by sky's the limit »

Floatpilot has been given some alone time to consider how to communicate a little more appropriately. If anyone has any comments on this topic other than to be supportive, I would suggest framing them with some tact and grace.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by slowstream »

sky's the limit wrote:Floatpilot has been given some alone time to consider how to communicate a little more appropriately. If anyone has any comments on this topic other than to be supportive, I would suggest framing them with some tact and grace.

Good and Thank you!
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by Rudder Bug »

sky's the limit wrote:Floatpilot has been given some alone time to consider how to communicate a little more appropriately. If anyone has any comments on this topic other than to be supportive, I would suggest framing them with some tact and grace.
Good move STL, thanks, and I hope it is renewable!

:D
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by rapid602 »

Thank you very much for sharing such a very personal story. Gives you an appreciation to make all of the Saturdays that you have left to live, Important Memories. Glad you are well and hear to share.

To the Colonel .. sir you say some pretty powerful things and there is wisdom in your comments, although many people miss the messages. But what you said about an aircraft fresh out of maintenance wanting to hurt you .... That is something every pilot should remember ... because I have had some strange things happen in airplanes fresh out of the repair shop. An assymetric flap situation being the worst. Made for an interesting takeoff but other than that non eventful. But every pilot should be on guard when getting into an aircraft fresh out of the hanger.

As you always say .... Fly Safe All
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by toelessjoe »

That was simply amazing. If you're ever in Dryden and want to go flying in anything we have just stop in. Oh, and for the record, EVERY flight with Doc is a near death experience, so stick with me kid.... :smt040

- Toeless
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by High and Behind »

Very powerful story. Thank you.

Best of luck in your recovery and in your further search for what this all meant.
I'm sure you have more questions about life than ever before.

And really isn't that what our journey is all about?
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by flyinthebug »

I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone for their kind words and support. To be honest, I expected more "floatpilot" types and to my surprise, he was the only one. I appreciate all the PMs and the comments on this thread. Thank you to those who also shared their stories. Life is short and sweet and we have to make the most of our limited time here. Seeing our aviation community come together as we always do for our lost brothers and sisters is really quite impressive. I didnt expect the same kind of support for my accident, but am proud to be a small part of this great industry (even though we all whine and complain, 95% of us couldnt picture doing anything else but fly).

Thanks again all! and as always,
Fly safe.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by Rudder Bug »

This was a very interesting and constructive thread Bug, and I am grateful you dared to do it.

The response and participation it generated, and will continue to, is impressive.

I hope to meet you some day, somewhere!

Gilles
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by flyinthebug »

Ill just take a minute and respond to some requests I had for any pictures I have of the crash. Im hardly a pro at attachments, but ill attempt to post a few pics of the crash site and inside the cockpit. Ill prewarn those that are sensative, that there is blood in a couple of the pics. Thanks again all for the comments and if anyone has any questions, please dont hesitate to PM me.
Cheers, and fly safe all.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by flyinthebug »

One more..close up of where my head hit the panel.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by CpnCrunch »

As everyone has said, you are very lucky to still be here. What kind of seatbelt/harness were you using? I'm kind of surprised that your head hit the panel, unless you just had a lapbelt.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by flyinthebug »

CpnCrunch wrote:As everyone has said, you are very lucky to still be here. What kind of seatbelt/harness were you using? I'm kind of surprised that your head hit the panel, unless you just had a lapbelt.
Just the lap belt. I have never in my life used a shoulder belt in the DHC2. No particular reason as I always did on any wheels I flew. I guess I felt less constrained in the event I had to egress. If I had the shoulder strap on, I wouldnt likely have received the facial injuries I had...but the docs say it may have been worse, as I was thrown around the cockpit during the crash sequence and who knows what other injuries I may have sustained if I had the shoulder strap on? No one knows forsure, but I have an imprint of the fuel pressure warning light planted between my eyes, as a constant reminder lol.

Maybe a shoulder strap may have helped...but once that seat broke free from the floor, I was at the mercy of wherever it threw me.

Thanks for the question.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by CpnCrunch »

I do know that shoulder harnesses reduce injuries and I was glad to have them in my plane (but luckily never had to test them out), although I guess if your seat comes loose from the floor then all bets are off.

The new Viking DHC-2 looks like it has a lot more safety equipment compared to the original ones (and presumably working fuel gauges), although it obviously costs a lot more to buy.
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Post by Beefitarian »

Thanks for posting. I sort of hate reading about plane crashes but keep going in here. Hopefully I learn something and maybe make better decisions because of it.

It's good to see you getting on with life. I'm pretty sure your attitude is a primary factor in that. Have a great summer.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by Rowdy »

I have two plates, two crowns and a pile of screws in my face and I'm now in ortho to fix massive bite issues from smashing my jaw into many pieces. Every bite I make hurts and will always hurt. Why? No shoulder straps. Why? had mine super loose in cruise to switch tanks. Dumb? oh hell yes. had I been on floats, I would have drowned after that hit in the face.

Now.. much like your accident, the seat did break free from the aircraft anyways.. but wearing those harnesses may have still prevented some of that damage. I wear em every flight now and am an advocate for 4 pointers in the business end of all aircraft.

Heres what the dash of a 206 looks like after rowdy faceplants into it. Sorry for the low quality and graphic image.. but same thing. I'm here to share. If this gets but one person to put their straps on, it'll have served its purpose

Image

You can see where my face hit and pushed the AI/DG, Alt in a few inches.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by flyinthebug »

Rowdy wrote:I have two plates, two crowns and a pile of screws in my face and I'm now in ortho to fix massive bite issues from smashing my jaw into many pieces. Every bite I make hurts and will always hurt. Why? No shoulder straps. Why? had mine super loose in cruise to switch tanks. Dumb? oh hell yes. had I been on floats, I would have drowned after that hit in the face.

Now.. much like your accident, the seat did break free from the aircraft anyways.. but wearing those harnesses may have still prevented some of that damage. I wear em every flight now and am an advocate for 4 pointers in the business end of all aircraft.

Heres what the dash of a 206 looks like after rowdy faceplants into it. Sorry for the low quality and graphic image.. but same thing. I'm here to share. If this gets but one person to put their straps on, it'll have served its purpose

Image

You can see where my face hit and pushed the AI/DG, Alt in a few inches.
Wow!... as many times as we discussed our accidents, that is the 1st time ive seen a pic! Im sorry to hear the jaw is still giving you such a hard time.

As for the shoulder strap...I just never got in the habit on floats and I know I should have. I always wore the lap belt but never the shoulder strap. It may have saved me some facial injuries, but as we agree...all bets are off when the seat breaks free from its rails.
All my time in Navajos and King airs and I always used the shoulder strap in them. I do advocate for wearing both the lap and shoulder strap...no matter how annoying they are trying to get them off and dock etc. Once you`ve landed, remove your belt (stow the shoulder strap back in its place) and docking becomes a non issue. Rowdy and I wish we had both belts pulled tight. Please always wear all belts available in any aircraft.

Thanks for sharing Rowdy.
Fly safe all.
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by CLguy »

Flyinginthebug you have quite a story and I commend you for telling it as I agree people can learn a lot from it. I wish you would tell the whole story that lead up to the crash as I think a lot could be learned from it as well.

All the best in your healing process!
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Re: DHC-2 Plane Crash May 2008 YXL (Pilot`s account)

Post by boogs82 »

Flyinginthebug,

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Although I'm working away at my PPL (still :? Someday it'll be done), I work in an area where PTSD can become an issue at any given moment. It takes a great deal of courage to throw yourself at the mercy of whatever hidden gem wants to comment on the internet. Thankfully there was only one. I've seen a lot of really bad crashes in my ten years of doing what I do and been first on scene for lots of them. Granted these were in cars/trucks/vans/tractor trailers/motorcycles/etc, the concepts remain the same. Seatbelts do a great deal in saving lives. It's nice to see you sharing your story and promoting this fact. I'm also really happy to see that you're alive to share and support that notion. With all that happens, it's really a miracle to see anybody survive that crash, judging from the pics. Hopefully some day you're able to fill in the gaps and piece together the whole story. I'm also excited to hear about what you go through when you hop back in an aircraft and go for a nice flight.
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