Expert says "he did what an excellent aviator would do"

joan

March 6, 2015 8:36 AM

An Aviation Consulting Expert and friend to the actor, Rick Dake says, that given the reported circumstances, "Everything he [Ford] did was perfect."

Harrison Ford's shocking plane crash into a golf course on Thursday, March 5 will be investigated, reports People Magazine.

An Aviation Consulting Expert and friend to the actor, Rick Dake says, that given the reported circumstances, "Everything he did was perfect."

Dake tells People, Ford is "respected in the aviation ranks," and he's known for collecting vintage aircraft and keeping them maintained "immaculately.”

Dake insists that the actor had no other choice but to land on that golf course in order to avoid destroying houses and perhaps lives.

"He was able to keep that plane away from the houses and land it with the least impact on the community. That was the best place he could have landed it. He was 100 percent doing exactly what an excellent aviator would do."

Explaining the plane Ford chose to fly that day, Dake told the mag, "The aircraft Ford was flying, a Ryan PT-22 Recruit (the model was originally used for pilot training), is "not a forgiving airplane," he says.

"A lot of new pilots in the war crashed that airplane. When it's slow, like the engine has stopped, it would want to flip over on its back. That alone is testament to the great ability Harrison Ford had. He made a 180-degree turn with the engine seizing up on him. He almost made it to the runway."

In a press conference, the National Transportation Safety Board investigator Patrick Jones told pressmen:"A return to airport depends on what altitude you're at and I don't know what altitude this pilot was at, at the point and time that he chose to do that, so I have no way in knowing if that was a good thing or a bad thing," Jones said. He also reiterated Ford's skill. "Flying an aircraft, whether it's this aircraft or a helicopter, it all takes experience. This is an experienced pilot." Both the NTSB and FAA are investigating the crash.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

joan