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Piper Comanche Emergency Landing on I-595 Highway
A private pilot said he had "no choice" but to land his single-engine aircraft in the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 during Thursday morning's rush hour. (www.sun-sentinel.com) Plus d'info...That's just strange there how ATC did not give him priority over the Airbus aircraft behind him if they knew his emergency. There was some huge mistake here.
I'm not sure of the details but if he did declare an emergency he would have gotten priority...if he just says he's low on fuel and doesn't declare...he's stuck in the pattern at the controllers discression
Why even talk to the media in the first place... That would be my rule number one regardless of how tempting it is to explain your situation.
hate to be harsh here, but there are other airports close by suitable for making a safe landing. Running out of fuel is a major no-no, and there is no good excuse for it that I have ever heard. You can always tanker extra fuel. Good news he didn't total the aircraft, for commanche is a splendid aircraft. He is not a splendid pilot. One hefty bill for removal of the aircraft will soon be his to pay. Wonder how much of a bill he is looking at here.Aren't there three runways e/w at FLL ? any one would do.
Fuel exhaustion can happen for MANY reasons, not necessarily because one did not have the proper reserves according to the book. That is part of the reason we have reserves! I do agree that tank valve positions are more likely in this case, the pilot being new to the AC. I am sure the investigation will make a report. Also, did this pilot have a sport license or a pilots license? I would be interested to know.
Pilot error caused by air traffic control. Remember it is ALWAYS pilot error. Saying NO to the tower was warranted and his right. I know, you will pay a price, but there you have it, he is paying a different price now.