1548hrs. 4th September 2021. 2 years to the day. Burned into my memory, never to be forgotten. Thank you for my extra time on this planet. Thank you to my wonderful wife Diana @thewingwife for her constant love, encouragement and support. Thank you to Kirsten for being my wingwalker and thank you to the whole Team at ASB for being behind me no matter what. Thank you to all the people who made a difference and helped us on that day. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
The AAIB have concluded their report. I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your kindness, good wishes and support over the past 13 months since our ditching.
When you’re in the hot seat, and you have a little under 4 mins to try to sort things out, not only have you got the aircraft issue to deal with, you have the life of your crew member in your hands, and the need to avoid tens of thousands of members of the public on the ground.
Every decision you make is ultimately to protect lives, those decisions are made instantly and are constantly reassessed as the situation progresses.
When the prop stops turning, thinking moves up a gear. You know you’re not going to reach open ground, and you know you’re going down. Having briefed ditching procedures countless times, putting it into practice was something you don’t anticipate, but are more than prepared for.
With your hand forced, you continue to fly the aircraft and you pick the one clear area that gives you the best chance, bank the aircraft hard and aim for it, trying to land as slowly as possible.
Nothing really prepares you for what happens next. The impact, the deceleration, is fierce. The plane instantly flips upside down and you are immediately plunged into the water, inverted and sinking. Unclipping both harnesses in the blackness, headset screeching, hoping your crew member is doing the same, and then experiencing profound relief when you both surface safe and well.
My grateful thanks to Libby, Alan & family for coming to mine and Kirsten’s aid; to TSA Consulting, Coastguard, RNLI, Police, Ambulance service, Poole Hospital A and E, and Bournemouth Council for their swift response and exemplary professionalism.
#aviation
Link to the report is here, or Google AAIB.
/government/news/aaib-report-boeing-a75n1-pt17-stearman-n707tj-loss-of-engine-power-during-flying-display-and-ditching-off-sandbanks-poole-dorset
A lovely afternoon spent exploring the grounds of @nationaltrust Ashdown House, ponies, a ton of history ranging from Alfred the Great to the Queen of Bohemia, a walk up the steep 200m weathervane hill, and topped of by the delicious @molliesmotels diner near Faringdon for always great food, especially the pickle chips! #nationaltrustAshdownhouse #molliesdineroxfordshire #escapedmostoftherain #ourtime
What a fantastic weekend for @aerosuperbatics at Swansea! We were made to feel so welcome, nothing was too much trouble. Epic weather and lots of happy people, couldn’t wish for more!
Can’t wait until next time!!
Special thanks must go to @swansea_airport for hosting us, and to Roger Winser for the fab camera work!!
#wingwalking
#charity
#fundraising
#wingwalkpilot
#stearman
A weekend trip to @swansea_airport ( with my half Welsh husband @thebarrells ) proudly flying the first ever public wingwalk in Wales for @aerosuperbatics I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many happy people in one place, and all in the very capable hands of @kirstenwingwalker@emmawingwalker #swansea #wingwalking #Swanseaairport #aerobaticwingwalk
@aerosuperbatics wing walking experience at @sywellaerodrome
If you would like to have a go get in contact with @aerosuperbatics to find out more.
#aircraft #aviation #wingwalking #aerosuperbatics #aviationdaily
We were completely beguiled by @waddesdonmanor_nt A jewel in the @nationaltrust crown, unbelievably beautiful. The scent of the Hyacinths an olfactory delight, the gardens sheer perfection, and the Manor, WOW! If you’re not a National Trust member yet, then why not?!! #dateday #perfectlife #couplesgoals #waddesdonmanor #nationaltrust @thebarrells
