Current news article of 1969 140 crash in wilderness

[c180guy]

https://news.yahoo.com/one-man-survived ... 58859.html

I just ran across this article written a few days ago about a Cessna 140 that crashed in the snow capped BC mountains in 1969. The pilot was killed, but the other guy spent 5 days trekking out to help. In pretty bad shape I might add!

A few months back, I updated my orange survival backpack I take with me whenever I go flying. I use to wear a fishing vest with minimal gear, but have gotten out of the habit. As they say, what's on your back might be the only thing you get out of the wrecked plane.

I don't smoke, but since I started flying in the 1990's, I still always carry a lighter in my pocket along with my knife that's always with me.

Sounded like they had absolutely nothing in the airplane to help the situation. Well, except the seat cushion he grabbed. I assume it had the original cushions and not the 150 seats on tracks.

Just a good reminder of what you might need in case of an unscheduled event in an airplane. Of course ELT's have come a long way, but I would still want a plan B in my book!

[8233]

Wow, that's unbelievable and a testament to what a human can endure through no more than determination and willpower. I don't think this story will leave me any time soon. I wonder if that plane had the aluminum seat belt brackets installed? It almost sounds like it did. How ironic if true that something that has been the source of so many avoidable fatalities might have been the reason he survived.

[8434]

Hey that's an interesting read. I live near Golden BC and was actually in the Gorman valley climbing this summer. Wish I'd known, would have gone looking for spare parts.

[8474]

I worked for Kootenay Airways out of Golden in the 70's, don't remember anyone talking about that accident at that time. Got my first taste of ski flying with an old timer who had a non electric 65 horse champ. Also my first experience with hand propping in waist deep snow

[8434]

Kootenay airways in golden? I learned to fly with Kootenay airways in the 2000s in Cranbrook. Did the business originate in golden?
Are you still in the Kootenays?

[8474]

No, Kootenay was a Cranbrook company, just had a small base in Golden back then, had a 172 for fire patrols and general charter, was my first flying job. Dave Dakin was the owner then. I'm in SK now.

[V529]

Incredible story, thank you for posting!