Hero pilot recounts crash landing, rescue in Atlantic Ocean: "My first thought was, 'We didn't die'"
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Ian Nixon, a Bahamian pilot with over 25 years of experience, safely crash-landed a Beechcraft King Air 300 about 50 nautical miles off Florida's east coast after losing both engines, communication, and avionics mid-flight.
- Despite losing radio contact and navigation systems, Nixon managed to keep all 11 people on board alive, with only three sustaining minor injuries, and they were rescued after floating on a life raft for hours.
- The U.S. Air Force's 920th Rescue Wing located and rescued the passengers, with Nixon recalling the tense wait and eventual sighting of the rescue plane amid rough weather conditions.
- The Bahamian government facilitated Nixon's return home following treatment for minor injuries, while the Bahamas Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority deferred the crash investigation to the appropriate foreign authorities since the incident occurred outside Bahamian territorial waters.
- Nixon emphasized the importance of faith, prayer, and family care in the aftermath of the ordeal, describing the crash landing as "pretty miraculous."