Lessons learned from the Oregon tragedy

Kyle Boatright wrote:
"Matt Whiting" wrote in message
...

Jim Macklin wrote:


Well, we, as trained pilots, should have studied survival and always have
some minimum supplies, so walking out might be an option, but sitting it
out with the supplies when a flight plan has been filed and S&R was known
to be coming is the best option.
But was anybody looking that they knew about, were they close to the
route they should have been on? His body warmth in the car, a group
huddle is warmer than just the mother and two small children.

The miracle is that they all did not die. The mother breast fed her
children, but that would materially shorten her life due to the use of
water and calories.

It was foolish to not have some goose down clothing and blankets in stuff
sacks, they take very little room and are very warm. Some survival
foods, jerky, canned milk, water, maybe some chocolate bars, nuts, fruit,
even a small cooler with food for the trip would have made a difference.
Calling the AAA to get a road report and maps. Every state has a road
department or police that will tell you about road closings and weather.
The things that they could have done before hand is a long list, any one
or two might have made the difference.

A simple call to a friend someplace, with a request that they call out
the police if you don't call them by 10 PM tonight would get S&R looking.
Haven't checked, but auto clubs and car rental agencies could offer
"drive plans" as a service.

Yes, all are things that should have been done. However, I still am not
convinced that the blanket advice to stay with the vehicle is correct.
With proper clothing (not tennis shoes), I can easily walk 10 miles a day
in pretty rough terrain (I do it hunting most every year) and I can walk
50 miles a day on roads or level terrain. If I was less than 50 miles
from civilization, I think I have a good chance of getting help faster
than waiting for rescue, especially in a case like this where nobody knows
where I am.

I agree that if it is likely that someone knows where you are and that you
are overdue, then staying with the vehicle makes a lot of sense. The
trouble with general advice is that it often is useless specifically. :-)


Matt


I agree that it may be worth trying to walk out, but only IF you know where
you are and have a good idea of where you need to go. In this case, it
sounds like he just started walking in hopes of finding someone or
something. That's a bad plan unless the weather is good and/or you're in an
area where you are likely to find help quickly.

Yes, and depends on what kind of shape you are in, etc. I hunt enough
to know what I can do in a variety of weather and terrain. Folks who
leave the city only on vacation are less likely to know their
capabilities and limitations.

Matt