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 reported engine failure near Palatka, Florida.
Recognizing Goolsby's perilous situation, the students advised him to land in a nearby retention pond and then coordinated with a Navy helicopter and other emergency services.
Goolsby successfully executed the water landing and was safely rescued from the pond without serious injuries, largely due to the students' prompt and effective intervention.
The students attributed their calm and helpful response in the emergency to the rigorous training they received at Embry-Riddle, particularly in emergency procedures.

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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.