"Out of fuel, out of hope: 'Help, I'm in the water'"

Agreed, he did everything wrong, and although he apparently started the
trip with no trepidation (or use of cerebral cortex), maybe it was panic
that in the end froze his trhought processes as he realized that he was
in deep trouble.

Larry Dighera wrote:
On Thu, 28 Apr 2005 11:31:38 -0400, "Marco Leon" mmleon(at)yahoo.com
wrote in ::


Here's audio of the ATC starting at
04:45 - http://www.liveatc.net/.archive/kmke...26-05-0030.mp3.


What I find disappointing is the late pilot's lack of authoritative
attitude while exercising the duties of Pilot In Command. He called
ATC and confessed his dwindling fuel state only minutes before
ditching. He asked ATC if he should exit the aircraft while it was
sinking. It was as though he was praying instead of thinking.

Why didn't he _TELL_ ATC what he needed, and _request_ that ATC
contact the Coast Guard and despatch a helo to his location? Why
didn't he take _command_ of his situation? From the recordings of his
last VHF and cellular transmissions, it was as if he thought
responsibility for his continuation of life rested in the hands of
others; it was as if he wanted someone else to think of a way to save
him.

Had he immediately confessed his low-fuel situation to ATC, requested
dispatch of emergency rescue craft, fashioned some sort of floatation
device (plastic bag, empty bottle, something...), and made some sort
of survival plan, his chances might have been better.

Anyone who fails to recognize that they are the primary factor in
saving themselves in an emergency situation is doomed.

Condolences to the surviving family members. RIP.