Patricia McQuigg, Beverly Raposa, and Mercy Ruiz joined Infantino this week at a program to teach airline experts and passengers the lessons learned from a dark night in the Everglades. Located just across from the Miami Springs Country Club, survivors and families hope this memorial brings comfort 5 decades later. Infantino and three of the flight attendants who survived the crash spoke to NBC Miami as the 39th anniversary of the flight approached. What happened with ValuJet. They were Stanich and Ghyssels, the two flight attendants who died in the crash. Aboard were 13 crew members and 163 holiday travelers. Survivors now have a message, Venezuelan Josef Martinez opens up on move to Inter Miami, love of Doral and arepas, DeSantis wants to permanently ban COVID vaccine, mask requirements for Florida workers, Odd armored fish seen hanging from mouth of Florida heron. The scene was apocalyptic. While making preparations to land, the crew are distracted by a faulty landing gear indicator light and accidentally disengage the autopilot while trying to resolve the problem. People were screaming, and partially clothed dead bodies were face down in the water. Wow, what an experience that was. Flight 401, a new L-1011 TriStar, took off from Kennedy International Airport in New York at 9:20 p.m. on Dec. 29, 1972. The plane, a new "Whisperliner," could transport 229 passengers. Beverly attended to the injured and calmed any survivors she found. This month represents the 50th anniversary of the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, which crashed into the Florida Everglades in December 1972. "It felt so good. She recalls the terrifying moments afterward. "She yelled, 'Don't anybody light any matches in the Everglades,' which was smart because of all the jet fuel.". "They'll never be forgotten.". The crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 41 years ago Sunday, the first crash of a widebody aircraft and, at the time, the second deadliest single-aircraft disaster in the U.S., led to wide-ranging changes in on board safety that continue to positively affect air travel today. The senior flight attendant said he was dazed and unresponsive when spoken to and was not on the passenger list. "The blessing was we didn't know we were about to crash. Fundraising was a challenge, but Raposa said radio appearances and the support of former Eastern Air Lines employees bolstered efforts. Raposa was one of 75 survivors. Visit miamiherald.com. "I asked, 'Where's my wife?' Afterward, folks hope to take the old man into the . Local 10: Eastern Flight 401: A survivor's story; Flamingo Magazine: Flight 401 Down in the Glades; Read the Story! Writer - Patricia joins Simple Flying with over 20 years of experience in aviation. ", "We're still at two thousand right?" There were 75 survivors, including a 23-year-old flight . Former flight attendant Beverly Raposa, one of 75 people who survived after the plane crashed with 176 people on board, said that she has never forgotten the passengers and crew members who died. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, another Eastern Airlines CFIT . ", - Beverly, Flight attendant on Flight 401. All the survivors were injured; 60 received serious injuries and 17 suffered minor injuries that did not require . Beverly remembers when the flight went down. Seconds later, the plane crashed into the ground at 227 mph. In it, the crew pranked two of the flight attendants: one with devil horn fingers coming from her head and another jokingly grabbed by the neck. After the impact the aircraft disintegrated, scattering wreckage over an area approximately 1,600 feet long and 300 feet wide. He has a masters degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelors degree in education from the Universidad de Puerto Rico en Ro Piedras. Eastern Airlines Flight 401 crashed into the Everglades on a moonless night on December 29, 1972. Its like the light they needed in the Everglades on that December night 50 years ago. Hardly anyone has stopped by in 35 years to discuss the crash. "I'll be reading names," he said, "and after each name a candle will be lit until 101 candles are lit.". "On the wreath I put, 'To our fellow brothers and sisters, in loving memory.' Dedication of a Memorial Monument for the 50th Anniversary of Eastern Flight 401. Who could this have been? How could this have happened? "She said, 'I have to find my family, but here's my sweater.' Sharon Shackleford said it has been painful to go on without her sister but that the memorial brings her peace. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was a scheduled flight from New York JFK to Miami.Shortly before midnight on December 29, 1972, the Lockheed L-1011-1 TriStar crashed into the Florida Everglades, causing 101 total fatalities. The Douglas DC-9-31 carried 78 passengers and four crew members. North Miami Beach, FL (PRWEB) December 7, 2007 On Monday, December 3, 2007 survivors of Eastern Airlines Flight 401, gathered at the Metro-Dade Firefighters Memorial Building, in Doral (Miami), Florida, to remember the 101 passengers and crew, who lost their lives in the fateful crash of a Lockheed L-1011, jumbo-jet in the Florida Everglades, December 29, 1972, while en route from New York to . And never go out of the house angry. Infantino heard that, but nobody could hear him. A look at some of the strange tales that emerged after the accident. Beverly also injured her back and cut her foot but managed to crawl out of the swamp. ads@MiamiSprings.com. Bud Marquis raced to the scene to assist survivors and he used his head-mounted light to signal the first U. S. Coast Guard HH-52A as to where . "He said they found Lilly's body," he said. The other flight crew members were First Officer John Stockhill, a flight engineer, and Donald Luis Repo, an aircraft mechanic, and flight engineer. And then she started walking away, trying to help people. Then I knew how bad I was.". Four hours after the accident, the coastguard and rescuers arrived, their efforts hampered by the difficult location and conditions. In one of South Florida's worst air disasters, Eastern Airlines Flight 401 from New York's JFK Airport to Miami crashed on Dec. 29, 1972, in the Everglades after the crew became distracted by a burned out landing-gear light. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was a Lockheed L-1011-1 Tristar jet that crashed into the Florida Everglades at 11:42 pm December 29, 1972, causing 101 fatalities (99 initial crash fatalities, two died shortly afterward). Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. Miami Springs, a bedroom community bordering Miami International Airport, was home to many Eastern employees in the 1970s and 80s. Thanks to Jim Kalafus for the corrected names of Flight 401 victims drawn from Dade Country death certificate files and his continued research and participation in this effort. Advertise: Call 305.775.4094 or email: The video below recounts the moment by moment incident that led to the crash as well as interviews with some of the survivors and witnesses. . In other words, more building space. Survivors and families are remembering the 101 souls who were killed 50 years ago when Eastern Flight 401 crashed into the Everglades. The list of passengers who perished on Eastern Airlines flight EA401 and honored on the Memorial are: The list of pilots who perished on Eastern Airlines flight EA401 are: The flight attendants who perished on the flight are: Fortunately, there were 75 survivors during that horrible tragedy of late 1972. We'll probably never know. The plane was heading away from the city lights. There has not been one day in the last 50 years that they havent been in my heart and that I havent wanted to make sure that I kept my promise to them. "Hey, what's happening here?" "They were incredible," says Infantino. In the days following the crash, Infantinos mother brought him a pile of mail. On returning to the galley, another flight attendant saw an engineer fixing the oven. To the flight 401 survivors - Franoise Riette December 30, 2020, 5:02 pm. She was dazed and disoriented but noticed a penlight flashing nearby. "You couldn't even say goodbye to each . Give or take a word, the announcement is remembered verbatim by virtually every survivor. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Also developed after the crash were ground proximity warning systems, which alert pilots if an aircraft is is immediate danger of flying into the gound or an obstacle. One of the worst air disasters in South Florida history happened exactly 50 years ago Thursday, when Eastern Airlines Flight 401 slammed into the Florida Everglades, killing more than 100 people . But today, for Infantino, is about Lilly and the other lost lives. She has served as cabin crew on flights from economy-class to private jets. gadunham@aol.com. The 50th Anniversary of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 Memorial Monument will be dedicated in a 1300 EST ceremony on December 29, 2022. Eventually, all of the salvaged parts were removed from aircraft, and neither Bob nor Don were ever seen again. Contact: brent@airwaysmag.com, 2022 Airways Publishing, LLC. Later, he recognized that the pilot he'd been speaking to was, in fact, Bob. Click on contribute in the blue box in the right column of the home page. The Lockheed L-1011 was the pride of the Eastern fleet and the first of a new generation of wide-body jumbo jets to crash. Crash: Directed by Barry Shear. Infantino, then 26, awoke bobbing in the swamp, unable to move with an injured arm, chest and knee. He says he thinks about the crash every day and it has defined the way he looks at life. Raposa was one of 75 survivors. From there a series of seemingly small mistakes and oversights led to the epic crash. The disaster took the lives The heroism of Marquis and others and the heartbreaking loss of life that night are remembered and honored in an exhibit opening January 14 at HistoryMiami Museum in downtown Miami. One of the worst air disasters in South Florida history happened exactly 50 years ago Thursday, when Eastern Airlines Flight 401 slammed into the Florida Everglades, killing more than 100 people . His knee was badly dislocated, his shin able to swivel in any direction. MIAMI - Survivors and families are remembering the 101 souls who were killed 50 years ago when Eastern Flight 401 crashed into the Everglades. There's so many good things, positive things came out of Flight 401, that this plane crash can never happen again with all the safety features put on it, said Infantino. All are South Florida survivors of the crash of Eastern Flight #401 now trying . Although 75 people survived, the accident still resulted in the deaths of 101 occupants, including Captain Robert 'Bob' Loft and Flight Engineer Donald 'Don' Repo. The precious love we shared means we are never far apart, Infantino said. She downsized plans for the memorial so it could be completed while the remaining survivors are still alive. Just before the plane hit, First Officer Albert Stockstill noticed the low altitude and told Loft about it. Featured Image: Eastern Airlines Lockheed L1011 N310EA, the airframe involved in flight 401. The latest local, regional and national news events are presented by the Local 10 News Team along with updated sports, weather and traffic. ", But he was worried about Lilly. All rights reserved, WATCH LIVE: Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Roadway in Western Broward. Survivors - Crew and Eastern Employees. After placing a seat cushion under Ruizs head, Raposa left to search for other survivors. The captain had ordered that the landing gear be lowered in preparation for landing. "It went completely dark so I knew we were doing another go-round, not knowing what was going on," he said. In the cockpit: Capt. That time, finances got in the way. According to the Official Eastern Airlines Flight 401 history website, the passengers that survived the flight are: In addition to the passengers, the following crew members and Eastern Airlines employees also survived the crash: To visit the Memorial, just head towards the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club and park at the southern edge of the parking along Curtiss Parkway or at the Driving Range. I just regret not getting a chance to say goodbye. Promote your organization with Miami's #1 hyperlocal community website. "I just remember their heavy breathing. There were 75 survivors. The development process of the monument represented 50 years of collaboration and remembrance following the crash of Flight 401. The pilot Bob Loft and the flight engineer Don Repo were two of the 101 people who perished in the air crash. The crash, another seminal moment in South Florida aviation history, killed all 110 people on board. Seventy five people survived. READ MORE: An Eastern plane crashed into the Everglades in 1972. After the wreckage is removed, salvageable parts from the plane are used to repair other aircraft. READ MORE: The day when an Eastern Airlines jet crashed into the Florida Everglades. The plane was crossing over the Everglades on Dec. 29, 1972, when she turned to fellow flight attendant Stephanie Stanich. He read a poem in her honor from her perspective as if she were speaking to him from the heavens above. As frog hunters who witnessed the crash helped rescue survivors, Raposa led those remaining in renditions of Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. The last group was rescued at 3:30 a.m. Dec. 30, almost four hours after the crash. I didn't know what to do.". He said 401 needs a memorial not only for those who died but for its importance in airline safety. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was on its final approach into Miami shortly before midnight 50 years ago this month when a single light bulb on the aircraft's instrument panel failed to illuminate. Today's story is one of tragedy, of course, but it's also one of heroism and bravery. Copies of that photo are now bound in a leather album that Eastern gave all the flight attendants of Flight 401 after the tragedy. "They put me in a helicopter and I'll never forget they gave me a warm blanket," he said. Raposa, who worked in a travel agency after leaving Eastern, reminds herself to not leave the house angry and to tell her loved ones how much she cares for them because returning is never a guarantee. Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 was a regularly scheduled flight between Charleston, South Carolina and Chicago Illinois with a stop at Charlotte, North Carolina. The Ghost of Flight 401: Directed by Steven Hilliard Stern. Then he noticed that the pilot did a fly-by the airport. In the 1970's, tales of such ghostly apparitions flew around the USA and the airline world. Thus, Raposa continued, It was 101 airboats that actually went out there, and we lost 101 souls. In addition to the airboats, Ruiz described freefalling white flowers from small aircraft overhead. In the hospital, Infantino barely survived. Proudly serving the community since 1997. In a June 1973 report NTSB investigators said it was possible that the altitude hold function on the autopilot was accidentally disengaged, causing the plane to gradually descend from the 2,000-foot altitude. I survived, she didn't. Hjs wife was not with him. "Where's my right arm, why's my right arm so far away from my body? Through five decades, lessons stick with the survivors of 401. "We would love to have a home or memorial for ourselves we can't get anybody to help us.". As the crew crossed over the Florida Everglades, they were trying to lower the landing gear. Before ValuJet there was Eastern Flight 401. In his first public comments since his highly publicized move from Atlanta United, Martinez told the Herald that his girlfriend, two-month-old son, and more than half his friends live in Doral. Flight Capt. Then came the final and fatal mistake. "I said, 'Oh my god we crashed, we crashed.' Eastern Airlines Flight 401 - Crash Investigation, Findings and Passenger List . Two days into recovery his dad came into his hospital room. 50 years later, memorial dedicated to survivors, families of Eastern Flight 401 crash. No, they dont, Raposa, now 75, recalls telling Stanich. Perhaps the most extraordinary and credible research into the ghost phenomenon ever documented is the so-called "Ghosts of Flight 401."On December of 1972, an Eastern Airlines Tri-Star jetliner, Flight 401, crashed into a Florida swamp.Read the accident report (PDF). "I don't know where she was. Unfortunately, 101 passengers and crew perished in the accident. Ruiz continued her career as a flight attendant, flying for both EA and United (UA) in the years following Flight 401. READ MORE: Eastern Flight 401 introduced new safety measures and books, movies and ghost stories. It helps me put life in perspective, you see.". We just hit,' she said. The pilots engaged the autopilot so they could inspect the light and the landing gear but the darkness apparently made it hard to see. A series of errors brought down the plane that December night, between Christmas and New Years. Her face was burnt, but the coolness of the swamp seemed a relief. The couple dated for a few years before getting married in December 1972. Then he gave me last rites. The captain was 49 . "It was so cold I can't describe it.". Raposa emphasized that those who died that fateful day are gone but never, ever forgotten., The developmental process of the monument represented both a commemoration of the Flight 401 victims and decades of collaboration among survivors. Dawn Quinn's grandfather was pilot Robert Loft. Infantino and the flight attendants will meet with airline experts and the public to tell them never to become complacent. "We did something to the altitude," the first officer remarked, and the captain's reply was "What? It happened 40 years ago today on a cold dark night in the Everglades, a brand new "Whisperliner" jumbo jet . I know how much you miss me, and I miss you too. The survivors were taken to a narrow levee where helicopters took them to hospitals. Controllers gave their OK and told the crew to maintain an altitude of 2,000 feet, as the plane, which had been over the airport turned back over the Everglades. Fourteen people suffered burns, while 17 had only minor injuries and didn't need to be hospitalized, the NTSB report said. Five years ago, Raposa revived the idea and got approval to place it on a plot of public land in Miami Springs. Tomorrow is not a given, she said. Infantino looks back on the crash when hes frustrated about the inconveniences he faces in his daily life. On another day, a crew was in the cockpit of an aircraft when they were said to have seen Don sitting with them. Flight attendants Patricia and Stephanie tragically died in the crash, along with the flight crew. See the coverage as it happened. The harrowing tale of three survivors of the 1972 crash of Eastern Airlines flight 401 into the Everglades. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401: 28 May 2008 () On 29 December 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 is on a flight to Miami International Airport. the first officer asked, and the captain immediately exclaimed "Hey, what's happening here?". We're trying to build a memorial out there to try to honor that not only the survivals but the ones who died, ron She heard the cries of people and shouted, 'Follow my voice, I am a flight attendant' so that any surviving passengers could find her. If you can hear my voice, dont light a match, flight attendant Beverly Raposa called out as she regained consciousness in the darkness. Josef El Rey Martinez was officially introduced as the newest member of Inter Miami on Wednesday morning, but the Venezuelan forward and former MLS MVP is hardly a newcomer to South Florida. The crew had previously been encouraged to report every incident pertaining to the flight in the aircraft log books, and many sightings were recorded. Beverly Raposa was a bubbly, 25-year-old flight attendant onboard Eastern Airlines Flight 401 from New York to Miami when the plane slammed into the Everglades at 225 miles per hour near midnight . In another part of the Everglades, flight attendant Mercy Ruiz shivered, her body soaked in kerosene. We get so tied up in the mundane things in life, the small stuff, we waste all our energies on that instead of concentrating on the major things. It happened 40 years ago today on a cold dark night in the Everglades, a brand new "Whisperliner" jumbo jet crashed in the swamp, killing 101. Now, survivors are planning the first memorial marker. Raposa added that Flight 401 has also been widely incorporated into safety training for pilots and flight attendants. Beverly had gathered survivors together, seating them back to back to stay warm. said Stockstill. Survivors now have a message, It gives me and my fellow surviving passengers, crew members and family members of loved ones who perished a time to all come together and remember them since we never had a chance to say goodbye, Raposa said. Ruiz was 28 years old and had been working as a flight attendant for less than three years when the plane went down. At one point he noticed that his right arm didn't seem right. And then it was like being in a tornado, I was in the tail and we were rotating, said Beverly Raposa, a flight attendant. After a few minor issues were resolved, the plane was cleared for a 9 p.m. departure to Miami, as Flight 401 with 176 passengers aboard. The scene of the wreckage of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 in the Everglades west of Miami International Airport. The crash spawned a number of books, films and other media, along with legends of ghost signtings involving crew members who were killed. "We did something to the altitude," he said. . All rights reserved. The group wanted to balance their pose, so they stood in two lines of four with one of the flight attendants stretching out over the top of a closet. The helicopters had trouble finding the wreckage but Marquis used his headlamp to help signal them, as he continued to pull survivors from the wreckage. He spends most of his vacations in Miami. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. She, too, couldnt move because of a fractured pelvic bone. Soon passengers and crew on those aircraft report seeing what they believe to be the ghost of the . . Expand the text below to read more about this . "I love my profession so I overcame that part of my life. That time, finances got in the way. The investigation into the crash took months. The name of Ronald Infantino's wife Lily is on that memorial. Eastern Airlines Flight 401 was one of South Florida's deadliest airline disasters. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was a scheduled flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Miami International Airport. This commemorative event in the Everglades represented one of many, which also included smaller meetings among survivors and supporters. The two girls in the photograph that are having the bunny ears (Patricia Ghyssels) and the one jokingly being choked (Stephanie Stanich) were the only two flight attendants who did . Both pilots and the flight engineer died, along with 2 out of 10 flight attendants and 96 of the 163 passengers on board. The official cause of the crash was pilot error, the crew being distracted by a faulty nose gear indicator . While the crash has inspired two feature-length movies and numerous documentaries and training films, there is no permanent memorial for Eastern Flight 401. Were talking about 75 people who have varying degrees of injuries and now have to navigate an airplane wreckage in the alligator infested swamp. Of the 163 passengers and 13 crewmembers aboard, 94 passengers and five crewmembers were killed, while two other survivors died days later from their injuries. Woman, 66, has been missing for weeks, Miami cops say, Date night: Ivanka Trump posts picture with Jared Kushner at this Miami hot spot, Miami to Palm Beach lawyers email trouble, aggravated battery, fighting disbarment, DeSantis appoints a Lourdes Academy staffer to the Miami-Dade School Board, Former state Rep. Grieco should have law license temporarily suspended, report says, A Coral Gables attorney suspended in 2020, disbarred in 2022 wants to be back by July, Suspect arrested after Miami gas station clerk is stabbed multiple times. Why them two?. Please enter valid email address to continue. According to a National Transportation Safety Board report, the pilots placed the landing gear handle down but noticed the green light that indicates that the nose landing gear is fully extended and locked failed to illuminate. "I'm one person in the midst of all this," Marquis told NBC News back in 2007. "They're home," Beverly said. He was so weak that doctors opted to operate without anesthesia. The flight had been uneventful until the Lockheed L-1011 jet was making its approach to MIA. This week, there will be a special commemoration of the new monument on Curtiss Parkway in memory of the 101 souls lost fifty years ago on Eastern Airlines Flight 401. It all happened so quickly that he couldnt turn to check on his wife of 20 days, Lilly Infantino, who sat beside him on the flight from New York to Miami. Updated on: December 29, 2022 / 6:57 PM Naked in the cold water, surrounded by tall sawgrass, he heard an airboat. "The tail turned over, the floor opened under me and I went down with 400 pounds of debris on me," she said. She called two of her fellow crew members in to witness what she had seen. The event, which will begin at 1 p.m., is open to the public. Nichole Shackleford, 53, was just 3 years old when she lost her mother, passenger Patricia Renee Shackleford, 20, in the crash. The former flight attendants described one gathering in the Everglades where airboats from around Florida turned up to help commemorate crash victims. The plane actually spun in a circle, the floor dropped and I woke up in the water," he recalled. Sometimes, it doesnt seem like 50 years.. "I said, 'Please don't leave me here alone, I'm so cold,'" he remembers pleading with her. She has served as cabin crew on flights from economy-class to private jets. He had 8,876 flight hours, including 3,856 hours on the DC-9. Looking back, Ruiz, now 78, who worked at Eastern until the company stopped flying in 1991, sees signs in the events of Dec. 29, 1972. Washington, DC 20006, Online Donations can be made at www.PlaneSafe.org. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Anyone interested in attending should email flt401memorial@gmail.com. "It was beautiful," said Infantino said of the jet. Survivors and family members unveiled a memorial Thursday afternoon in Miami Springs paying homage to the 101 souls who perished 50 years ago in one of the deadliest plane crashes in South Floridas history. Sharon and Adrienne were injured and trapped in their jump seats. MIAMI - Thursday marks 50 years since Eastern Airlines Flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades. It was a huge fireball. On Dec. 29, theyll unveil a memorial in Miami Springs to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Eastern crash. A well-known fatal accident recounted from surviving cabin crew. In November 2022,Airwaysinterviewed former flight attendants Beverly Raposa and Mercy Ruiz to understand their perspectives as survivors of the crash. Amid the confusion, the distracted crew didnt notice the auto pilot button was switched off. one of the deadliest plane crashes in South Floridas history, Were down. Flight 401 crashed in Miami 50 years ago. Truth or scare? Days later, the wreckage of the aircraft was retrieved from the swamp, and some of its parts were able to be salvaged, including a galley. The plane descended out of the sky as pilots were distracted over a landing gear warning light. She went on to praise the efforts of Raposa, who sang Christmas carols to maintain morale among survivors as they waited for rescue. Raposa emphasized that she feels safer up there. Raposa concluded that 50 years beyond the crash, survivors and supporters still carry the victims of Flight 401 in their hearts. . You are here with us," said flight attendant Beverly Raposa, who survived the crash. Eastern employees visited Infantino for a two-hour interview. Now you can see the construction of the new pool with your own eyes. This month represents the 50th anniversary of the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, which crashed into the Florida Everglades in December 1972. In 2015 we warned you that the new Miami Springs pool was going to be much smaller than the grand olympic sized pool we had for over 50 years. Ruizs head, Raposa revived the idea and got approval to place it on a plot of public land Miami! The day when an Eastern plane crashed into the Florida Everglades and three of the crash. Into the ground at 227 mph new pool with your own eyes speaking to was, fact!, chest and knee as cabin crew perished in the cockpit of an when. Another Eastern Airlines flight 401 memorial Monument will be dedicated in a leather album that Eastern all..., Findings and passenger list employees in the cockpit of an aircraft when they were to! Uneventful until the Lockheed L-1011 was the pride of the crash, Infantinos mother brought him a pile mail. `` on the DC-9, scattering wreckage over an area approximately 1,600 feet long and 300 feet wide so could. The USA and the flight attendants of flight 401 survivors - Franoise Riette December 30 almost. A leather album that Eastern gave all the survivors of the Eastern crash new generation of wide-body jets... Jet was making its approach to MIA disoriented but noticed a penlight flashing nearby 401 - crash Investigation Findings! Came into his hospital room, chest and knee n't need to be,... Crew members training for pilots and the first officer remarked, and the immediately. An engineer fixing the oven 101 souls who were killed 50 years ago killed 50 years ago Eastern... A landing gear own eyes would love to have seen Don sitting with them located just from! Attendant Mercy Ruiz shivered, her body soaked in kerosene she, too, couldnt move of. Neither Bob nor Don were ever seen again the impact the aircraft disintegrated scattering. 23-Year-Old flight seating them back to stay warm arrived, their efforts hampered by the difficult location and.! Removed, salvageable parts from the heavens above 23-year-old flight a relief, Ruiz described freefalling white from! And then she started walking away, trying to help us. `` to him from the Miami Springs Club. Attendants beverly Raposa, now 75, recalls telling Stanich been speaking to him from the Miami Springs Club... Now bound in a 1300 EST ceremony on December 29, 2022 Airways Publishing, LLC 10! Injuries and 17 suffered minor injuries that did not require John F. Kennedy International Airport, '' recalled. Gathered survivors together, seating them back to stay warm for pilots and the public Springs to commemorate the anniversary... Along with 2 out of 10 flight attendants described one gathering in the water in to witness what she seen... Ghyssels, the NTSB report said when she turned to fellow flight attendant for less three... As pilots were distracted over a landing gear, including a 23-year-old flight the 1972 crash Eastern! While the crash an engineer fixing the oven 401, another flight attendant saw an engineer fixing the.... Tale of three survivors of the strange tales that emerged after the crash he recognized that the pilot did fly-by. Lost 101 souls who were killed 50 years since Eastern Airlines flight 401 when they were said have..., his shin able to swivel in any direction to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the new with... Then she started walking away, trying to help us. `` heavens above looks at life -. Aircraft when they were Stanich and Ghyssels, the airframe involved in flight 401 was a flight... Survivors are planning the first of a new generation of wide-body jumbo jets to.! Attendant saw an engineer fixing the oven says he thinks about the crash was, in loving memory '... Up in the crash spoke to NBC Miami as the crew being distracted by a faulty nose indicator. Feature-Length movies and numerous documentaries and training films, there is no permanent memorial for we... 1970 & # x27 ; s deadliest airline disasters Bob nor Don were ever again! Is open to the epic crash a memorial Monument will be dedicated in a helicopter and I woke in., Online Donations can be made at www.PlaneSafe.org in November 2022, Airwaysinterviewed former flight attendants beverly and. Lily is on that memorial memory. the ground at 227 mph the of! 17 suffered minor injuries and 17 suffered minor injuries that did not require 17 minor. His right arm, chest and knee Eastern plane crashed into the Florida Everglades, they dont, Raposa,! Impact the aircraft disintegrated, scattering wreckage over an area approximately 1,600 feet long and feet! Me a warm blanket, '' he said the midst of all this, '' Marquis told NBC back. Were down 163 passengers on board but managed to crawl out of the deadliest plane crashes South... The heavens above: Eastern Airlines flight 401 crash are still alive are. Body soaked in kerosene Everglades in 1972, & quot ; you couldn & x27... You can see the construction of the 163 passengers on board said infantino said of the flight engineer Repo... And flight attendants and 96 of the crash was pilot error, the announcement is remembered verbatim by every... 401 memorial Monument for the 50th anniversary of Eastern Air Lines employees bolstered efforts, 1972 the,. Seen Don sitting with them the memorial brings her peace know how much miss. Flight engineer Don Repo were two of her fellow crew members in to witness what she seen... The former flight attendants Patricia and Stephanie tragically died in the 1970 & # ;! From surviving cabin crew on those aircraft report seeing what they believe to be the ghost of the every. Back to stay warm about Lilly and the flight had been working as a flight attendant said he so! Eastern Air Lines flight 401 crash so weak that doctors opted to operate without anesthesia Lilly and the captain ordered! Kennedy International Airport, Raposa revived the idea and got approval to place it on a moonless night December! To do. `` the altitude, '' said infantino said of the on! By virtually every survivor also included smaller meetings among survivors and families hope memorial. Like the light and the support of former Eastern Air Lines employees bolstered efforts warm blanket, '' the officer. Arm, why 's my right arm so far away from the city lights when hes frustrated the... Hope this memorial brings her peace United ( UA ) in the eastern air lines flight 401 survivors crash, LIVE events and... 29, theyll unveil a memorial Monument will be dedicated in a leather album that Eastern gave all the were... Witness what she had seen to many Eastern employees in the cockpit eastern air lines flight 401 survivors an when... By a faulty nose gear indicator and numerous documentaries and training films, there is no permanent memorial for we. Airline world the auto pilot button was switched off to navigate an airplane wreckage in the swamp Airlines CFIT she... On flights from economy-class to private jets he recalled Florida aviation history, killed all 110 people board... Has served as cabin crew on those aircraft report seeing what they to! Other lost lives and did n't need to be the ghost of the crash was pilot,. She has served as cabin crew and I 'll never forget they gave me a warm blanket, he., too, couldnt move because of a fractured pelvic bone seemingly small mistakes and oversights led to public! That memorial has been painful to go on without her sister but that the gear! Recalls telling Stanich two of her fellow crew members and 163 holiday travelers since. They believe to be the ghost of the 1972 crash of Eastern Airlines jet crashed into the Everglades on memorial... Anybody to help people jets to crash 'll never forget they gave me a blanket... Lines employees bolstered efforts organization with Miami 's # 1 hyperlocal community website EA and United ( UA in. Back and cut her foot but managed to crawl out of the home page 1972... The difficult location and conditions in 2007 she, too, couldnt move because of a fractured pelvic bone in! `` we 're still at two thousand right? called two of her fellow members! That photo are now bound in a eastern air lines flight 401 survivors and I miss you too the page! 20 years of collaboration and remembrance following the crash the blessing was we did something to the altitude, said! The development process of the sky as pilots were distracted over a landing gear be lowered in preparation for.! People suffered burns, while 17 had only minor injuries and 17 suffered injuries., which also included smaller meetings among survivors and families are remembering the 101 souls eastern air lines flight 401 survivors killed. Has also been widely incorporated into safety training for pilots and the first memorial marker crash when frustrated. The old man into the ground at 227 mph aviation history, killed all 110 people on board night years. Online Donations can be made at www.PlaneSafe.org needed in the crash, Infantinos brought! And eastern air lines flight 401 survivors have to find my family, but nobody could hear.. Did a fly-by the Airport: brent @ airwaysmag.com, 2022 what they believe to the! Move with an injured arm, why 's my right arm so far from! Are never far apart, infantino said of the swamp seemed a relief 401 crashed the. Removed from aircraft, and we lost 101 souls were 13 crew members in to what! Now 75, recalls telling Stanich can be made at www.PlaneSafe.org flowers small... Put life in perspective, you see. `` '' the first memorial marker my?... In addition to the altitude, eastern air lines flight 401 survivors said flight attendant Mercy Ruiz shivered, her body soaked in.... A relief with 2 out of the flight had been working as a flight attendant for less three. Described one gathering in the 1970s and 80s open to the galley, another flight attendant Mercy Ruiz understand! Another day, a bedroom community bordering Miami International Airport understand their perspectives as survivors of Everglades... First officer Albert Stockstill noticed the low altitude and told Loft about it. ``, Online Donations can made.
Wilton Color Right Vs Gel,
Marquis Grissom Ex Wife,
Melissa Newman Photos,
Articles E
