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 overheard a distress call from pilot Jim Goolsby, who was experiencing engine failure near Palatka, Florida.
The students quickly advised Goolsby to land his experimental aircraft in a nearby retention pond and then immediately contacted emergency services, providing coordinates and staying overhead until rescue arrived.
Thanks to their swift and decisive actions, Goolsby was successfully rescued by a Navy helicopter from the pond with no serious injuries.
The students attributed their calm and effective response during the critical incident to their comprehensive emergency procedure 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.