I can be a real idiot at times.
There was a fatal accident involving a helicopter operated by my employer today.
A couple of hours ago, Bob Barbanes sent me an email with the subject heading of "Are You There?" Only then did it occur to me that some folks could be wondering if I could have been one of the pilots in that helicopter. The accident has been reported on some national news outlets, so I'll be sending out a bunch of emails tonight to inform friends that I'm still on this earth.
This is one of those times that it really sucks to be a pilot.
I knew both of the pilots personally, and my heart and prayers go out to their families.
All is Revealed
9 hours ago
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14 comments:
When I worked at PHI, anytime there was a helicopter crash anywhere in the world, my family would call PHI's headquarters and ask if it was me. It was kind of silly.
But this time, I knew it was an S-76, which is what you fly. And it's hard to keep track of your schedule - "Is he on hitch or on break?" So the worry was very real.
On break? What a relief! I'm so glad to hear you're still kicking. On the other hand, I hate hearing about any bad accident like that. It is one very unfortunate aspect of this industry.
Thanks for letting us know you're okay. Savor your time at home with the family. Offer a prayer for the families of those who perished, as they have some tough times ahead.
Glad you're here, Hal, and sorry to hear about the accident.
Very glad you're still there. Your wife must have something nearing nerves of steel.
I have a friend who used to fly a private airplane on his time off (from being a trucker). Small aircraft wrecks on the news always left us worrying a little.
A few years ago, he abandoned the plane for a sailboat which he now lives on. Recently he sailed to Hawaii from California.
No reason to worry there . . .
Hal, very sorry to hear about your friends, but glad you're OK!
I'm praying for your friends' families. What a terrible accident. When I heard the news this morning as I was getting ready for work, my heart stopped for a moment. Though we've never met, you've painted such a clear picture of you and your wonderful wife and son that I feel I know you a bit, and I was terrified you might be one of those killed. Thankfully, you're still kicking to blog another day!
Glad to hear you're okay, Hal. Sorry for the loss of your friends.
Sorry to hear about the accident. I'm sure that incidents like this always stop you dead in your own tracks, and the shivery thought 'there but for the grace of God' must cross your mind. Take care of yourself.
On a more cheerful note, have you had 'your' Christmas celebration yet? Details, warm fuzzy family stories please.
I'm so glad you're safe, Hal. I'm also terribly sorry about your friends.
I'm with Debby on the more cheerful note. How is the family Christmas celebration?
I saw the article in my local paper just now and immediately turned on my computer to see if you had posted! It was then that I remembered you were at home. What a relief!
Still...I'm very sory for those involved and pray for their families.
Glad to hear you're okay, Hal, and my commiserations to your friends.
My word, Hal...
Every once in awhile you get a jolt of reality in life. I am so glad that you are safe, and sorry for the loss of your friends.
Post-Christmas details would be much appreciated. Hope it was a good one.
quid
A little behind on my reading . . . glad you're OK, friend.
I'm glad you're okay, and I"m sorry about your friends, Hal.
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