Posted on 08/27/2006 4:38:10 AM PDT by BigBlueJon
Edited on 08/27/2006 5:02:21 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Possible plane crash in Lexington, KY. My brother works security for Lexington UK Hospital and was just called in. No news locally or on major news outlets yet. I didn't want to post anything for fear of being wrong, but he's still waiting for an official call while on stand-by.
Update from WTVQ 36 Lexington:
A plane has crashed near the Blue Grass Airport this morning. No word on details at this time. We are told it was a commercial aircraft. Versailles Road is blocked as emergency vehicles circle around the site. We have live coverage beginning at 7:20am. Stay with Action News 36 for more details.
Why wouldn't the air traffic controller tell them they were going down the wrong runway??
They might have more total time, but the majors really care about PIC time. Some of the majors also put a multiplier on TACAIR time due to task loading.
You are right. It is a pretty big piece of information. I think I heard they are still not telling who was driving. But, does that even matter?
I am wanting to know NOW!!!! And I do realize, that ain't happening. Good thing, that. Get it right the first time
Apparently, from what I've heard today, he wouldn't necessarily be able to see the plane from the tower. And I don't think a visual check is required before take off. Not with one person in the tower, probably performing more than one task, none of which would take him/her near a window.
I have seen the signs with arrows that are on the taxiways and runways; plus various light, that I always assumed meant something to the pilot, like a red light on a traffic signal means something to me.
I'm more concerned about the fatigue factor, now that I think about it. If the crew didn't get to their hotel until at least midnight, then they were out again for a 6 AM flight. And the pilot didn't just get the runway wrong, if that's what happened, so did the co-pilot. Are both of them supposed to verify they're on the right runway, or just the pilot, anyone know?
I think you're right, that those are akin to traffic lights, but they don't ID the particular runways. But I don't know for sure since I'm just an infrequent passenger :)
Provided the runway ends are visible from the tower, I personally would get a visual confirmation that everything appears OK with my departing aircraft. I can't judge this controllers actions, though, with limited information.
OMG I just saw the news.
God rest their souls, this is horrible.
I just saw on our local news they have eye witnesses that say the plane exploded shortly after take off. Even though the pilot took the wrong runway are they related?
Believe me, I'm not trying to make light of airplane tragedies, including this one. It's just that many people think that flying is dangerous, and it really isn't, compared to the automobile. My heartfelt prayers for all the families and loved ones of this unfortunate flight.
I've heard a few commercial pilots say upon landing...."Thanks for flying with us. You're now about to start the most dangerous part of your journey when you get into your automobiles, so please drive safely."
Last year there were 43,443 deaths on our nation's highways from auto accidents, 4,553 from motorcycle accidents, and 4,881 pedestrians died. Additionally, 2.7 million people were injured.
In this article:
"Safety groups said more attention should be placed on traffic issues, arguing that a single airplane crash could lead to public outcries while more than 40,000 deaths on the roads fail to generate much response."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/23/ap/national/mainD8JLRKVG1.shtml
Earlier this morning, there was talk that someone was in the jumpseat, perhaps another pilot, (I hate to use this term this evening)"deadheading". Can you tell me that THREE pilots made this mistake happen?
They already have lighted signs telling them which runway is which, I thought someone wanted an automatic alarm which would go off if you were on the wrong runway. Bitching Betty maybe? "Abort, Abort You are on the wrong runway, abort, abort." Don't think that would go over too well.
Really? I have never heard such a thing. I always thought that was a part of ATC. In fact, I could not qualify for ATC in the USAF, due to my vision - needed 20/20 uncorrected.
Tell more. What station? Did you note the name of the eyewitness?
That may have been me talking about a pilot in the jumpseat. Turns out the crew of 3 was two pilots and one cabin attendant. (whatever they call stewardesses these days)
You are quite right...there does need some perspective..
Thank you.
If you look at the airport diagram you can see that the tower is ideally sited for observing aircraft in the departure area of both 22 and 26.
Gotta keep connecting dots. Or at least make sure all the dots are out there.
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