Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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The headline of The Star newspaper a week or so ago really got my attention, because there is a picture of a good friend of mine, Alec Hogg, under the headline, “My first emergency landing”. I am not sure if Alec is a sucker for punishment, or he is just enthusiastic after surviving it, but I am not sure what the reference is to “first”?
I certainly would not want to have a second or third landing and you can read the article directly on his website here. He details how they were told that the landing gear for the aeroplane would not come out and as a result they had to fly around Johannesburg while the plane reduced its fuel load. Then they had to do a low pass-over the runway so that the staff on the ground could see whether or not the landing gear would come out.
When they one realised that the landing gear was not going to come out, the pilot, who they obviously all adore and worship, considering how well he handled the situation, told them all to brace themselves for a crash landing without wheels. Then they hit the ground and as Alec describes it, “… the bottom of the plane hit the tarmac and a loud noise like skateboarding on a gravel road filled our ears. For the longest 30 seconds in my life, the plane skidded along on its belly, smoke and the smell of it rising through the floorboards.” Next time he will drive home!
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Monday 28-Nov-11
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Comments
Lorette said:
on Wednesday 30-Nov-11 09:51 AM
I can't imagen what the people, not even mentioning the pilot, had to feel like!!! Well done to Alec Hogg!!
Sally said:
on Tuesday 29-Nov-11 11:00 AM
An emergency landing is not one of the things that I would like to experience.
bianca said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 04:52 PM
Good job by the pilot but I do agree, if it is your time then regardless of whether you are flying or driving it will happen.
kaylene said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 03:53 PM
Wow thank god that everone is okay, if it wasnt just imagine it woud have been all over the world's news. And we all know what some of the people overseas think of South Africa.
Corné said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 03:07 PM
That is petrifying – I never want to be in that kind of situation. But like Daniela said, if it’s your time it’s your time.
brenda said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 03:02 PM
I once stopped breathing on the plane when i flew to England.... Nah, just kidding.
Jessica said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 03:00 PM
Jesus was sure with them all :-), not many can say they have come off so lucky when in a plane crash. Very well done to Alec Hogg.
Lucretia said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:59 PM
Brumilde, please explain, i am confused :-)
Angelique said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:54 PM
Thats insane. Very scary. But luckily it was nothing more than just a scare and everyone was safe.
Nicolle said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:52 PM
Petrifying. Enough said.
Daniela said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:50 PM
I read Alec's account of the incident and it actually elevated my heart rate. He writes so well that it feels as though you are there in the plane with him and his wife, Jet.
He writes so well.
Must be honest, first time I heard about the incident. I don't mind flying, I regularly fly in a 2- or 4-seater. If it's your time, it's your time.
Julie said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:44 PM
I read just a week or so ago that if the landing gear doesn't come out that is what you do - circle to reduce the fuel load in case you have to "crash-land" and the impact could result in the plain exploding - it could still tear the whole plane apart though - a bloodcurdling thought
Megan said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:43 PM
I've heard driving a car doesn't kill you, its the crashing...LOL
Candice said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:42 PM
Pheww that was an "almost" moment. I would rather stay grouned. But that is the reality of it all they only realize that there is something wrong when your in the air.
Cherise said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:40 PM
wow this is something most of us see on the movies! he is so lucky to be alive today to tell us his story, because that truelly is an amazing story and definitely not a topic that we hear about everyday.
This story has now, however, really increased my fear of flying an im sure his aswell.
Robyn said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:37 PM
I think it's quite obvious that it's the crashing that kills you.. otherwise there would be no airplanes :)
Anyway, I'd kind of like to experience a crash landing that way..
Alexis said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:32 PM
That is quite scary. Though it seems as though the situation was handled quite well. Happy that everybody came out unscathed, though as your friend stated, most of them would rather drive from now on.
Nadia said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:32 PM
ROTFL - I agree, not something you want to hapen often.
Genevieve said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:31 PM
Well done to the pilot. I think it must be rather nerve wrecking and it is good to know that a pilot can keep their head clear and do an emergency landing when your life flashes before your eyes.
Brumilde said:
on Monday 28-Nov-11 02:28 PM
They say more people are killed in cars than flying. but its not the flying that kills you, it's the crashing.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
