Two Embry-Riddle Students Assist a Distressed Pilot During an Engine Failure

Chris Shields and Connor Cvetan jumped into action after hearing an emergency call on the radio.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 03:17 PM ET

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Embry-Riddle students Chris Shields and Connor Cvetan were out flying a Cessna 150, practicing for an upcoming flight competition, when they heard a mayday call over the radio. They sprung into action, providing emergency workers with information that helped lead to the pilot’s rescue. [Photo: Rich Garner]

Key Takeaways:

Embry-Riddle flight students Connor Cvetan and Chris Shields heard a distress call from a pilot, Jim Goolsby, experiencing engine failure in his experimental aircraft near Palatka, Florida.
They quickly advised Goolsby to perform a water landing in a nearby retention pond, then contacted emergency services and a Navy helicopter, providing crucial coordinates and monitoring the situation until rescue personnel arrived.
Thanks to their swift and precise actions, Goolsby was safely rescued with no serious injuries, and the students attributed their calm and effective response to their realistic emergency training at Embry-Riddle.

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Two Embry-Riddle flight students took potentially lifesaving action recently after they heard a distress call come through their radio.

Connor Cvetan, a junior at the school, and his senior flight instructor, Chris Shields, were practicing pattern work near Palatka, Florida, last Monday and found themselves in the unique situation when they heard a distress call come through their coms.