PA32 Down in Atlantic?
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PA32 Down in Atlantic?
Returning from the US this morning, heard a US registered PA32 in Distress (N432CD)? Engine overheat, little power, slowly descending, last heard by us passing FL110. Out or range of the Azores, last conversations heard revolved around finding a ship in the location. Frankly ditching at night, I don't hold much hope. Did anyone hear the outcome? [email protected]
I too was in on this situation this morning at 30 west. For accuracy there were two light aircraft crossing together but the PA32 with the problem was N5338S. As of 0640z he was still airborne with the oil temp still high and he was about 2hrs or so from LPLA (Lajes -Azores)
Can I just praise all the various crews who relayed messages to and from Shanwick etc and especially the guys in VS002 - good work chaps. It must have been some comfort to the poor guy who at one time was contemplating a night ditching in the Atlantic over 500 miles from land!
The other light aircraft continued on to EINN so if anyone with contacts there could find out the result I would be obliged.
Can I just praise all the various crews who relayed messages to and from Shanwick etc and especially the guys in VS002 - good work chaps. It must have been some comfort to the poor guy who at one time was contemplating a night ditching in the Atlantic over 500 miles from land!
The other light aircraft continued on to EINN so if anyone with contacts there could find out the result I would be obliged.
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Unfortunately it looks like it turned out this way: (taken from the National Post)
Nova Scotia: Search called off for pilot who ditched plane in Atlantic
HALIFAX - The search for a missing American pilot, who ditched his single-engine plane off the coast of Newfoundland, was called off yesterday with no trace of wreckage found. The man, in his 40s, left St. John's, Nfld., and was bound for the Azores, west of Portugal, when he reported engine failure early Saturday.
Nova Scotia: Search called off for pilot who ditched plane in Atlantic
HALIFAX - The search for a missing American pilot, who ditched his single-engine plane off the coast of Newfoundland, was called off yesterday with no trace of wreckage found. The man, in his 40s, left St. John's, Nfld., and was bound for the Azores, west of Portugal, when he reported engine failure early Saturday.
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Lubicon,
Appreciate your input but the date on Saturday was the 22nd and in this instance we are talking about the 27th.
Condolances to those involved on Saturday and let's hope this more recent encounter had a more favourable outcome.
Appreciate your input but the date on Saturday was the 22nd and in this instance we are talking about the 27th.
Condolances to those involved on Saturday and let's hope this more recent encounter had a more favourable outcome.
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When we went out of range I believe the oil temp had stabilised - still very high but down from its peak, and he was at last able to maintain height, steady at FL110 but I believe still heading for Lajes. Fingers still crossed till I know he's OK.
[ 27 September 2001: Message edited by: Jumbo Jockey ]
[ 27 September 2001: Message edited by: Jumbo Jockey ]
Relax guys - according to Shanwick he got to LPLA OK at 0848z. As I first logged that there was a problem at about 0540z thats nearly three hours with a sick motor.
I must say the Gentleman concerned sounded pretty cool, I would have been panicking in the same position. Wait a tick - I was in the same position!! PANIC.......
I must say the Gentleman concerned sounded pretty cool, I would have been panicking in the same position. Wait a tick - I was in the same position!! PANIC.......
If you want a US-manufactured single in Europe, you have to get it across somehow. Short of dismantling it and rebuilding it at enormous cost, some brave soul has to make the trip. I hope ferry pilots are well paid!
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You would be amazed how many singles ply the Atlantic. How do you think so many American built planes got here?!
As to why he was taking such a southerly route.. I read an article in an American flying magazine saying DONT go on a southern routing, as there is no SAR in the Azores..
well he must have had very large testicles in my opinion.
Also I have to say he didn't sound too prepared.. didn't have a diversion in mind unil Larjes was suggested to him!
He did sound VERY cool given the circumstances, and alls well that ends well etc. Doubt if he will be so keen next time though!
As to why he was taking such a southerly route.. I read an article in an American flying magazine saying DONT go on a southern routing, as there is no SAR in the Azores..
well he must have had very large testicles in my opinion.
Also I have to say he didn't sound too prepared.. didn't have a diversion in mind unil Larjes was suggested to him!
He did sound VERY cool given the circumstances, and alls well that ends well etc. Doubt if he will be so keen next time though!
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As to why he was taking such a southerly route.. I read an article in an American flying magazine saying DONT go on a southern routing, as there is no SAR in the Azores..
Found this old thread from PPRuNe that sheds some light on what some people have to do for a living:-
http://www.geocities.com/profemery/aviation/ferry.html
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I thought most people had boycotted the southerly route after a ferry pilot was abandoned. They could hear him turning off his elt very night and turning it on again every morning for a few days but still no rescue was forthcomming.
Seeing as how much effort is put into freeing wales from tight spots in the Artic if the press demand it, it seems appalling that a human being was left to die a terrible death and nobody appeared to notice.
[ 28 September 2001: Message edited by: New Bloke ]
Seeing as how much effort is put into freeing wales from tight spots in the Artic if the press demand it, it seems appalling that a human being was left to die a terrible death and nobody appeared to notice.
[ 28 September 2001: Message edited by: New Bloke ]
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All respect due to the brave folk who deliver airplanes. My old chiefpilot spent many hours in singles across the atlantic and pacific and has told many harrowing tales. These guys (and gals) get paid peanuts and deliver strange airplanes all over the world. So we should put it into perspective when we sit and bitch about lousy crew meals at FL410.
True aviators and adventurers.(yonder-year stylee)
True aviators and adventurers.(yonder-year stylee)
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"..... what are these guys doing in the atlantic in singles?"
jump out of perfectly serviceable a/c at 12000'
sail/row single-handed across the Atlantic
climb Everest
race cars and bikes
etc etc
It's a challenge.
I flew the Atlantic (East-West, Northerly route) some years ago in a single. I lived to tell the tale, and it remains one of the most satisfying achievements of my (private) flying life - so far!
I accept the taxpayer would have picked up the bill for an (inevitably unsuccessful) SAR if things had gone wrong, but it would be offset by the money saved by the NHS keeping me alive when I'm old.
