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 provided crucial assistance to pilot Jim Goolsby after he experienced engine failure in his experimental aircraft.
The students heard Goolsby's distress call, located his aircraft, advised him to land in a nearby retention pond, and then coordinated with emergency services, staying overhead until a Navy helicopter arrived.
Goolsby successfully performed the water landing and was rescued by the Navy helicopter without serious injuries, highlighting the students' quick thinking and effective emergency training.

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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.