So I'll never forget it, I brought it to my chest and held it.". Looking back, Ruiz, now 78, who worked at Eastern until the company stopped flying in 1991, sees signs in the events of Dec. 29, 1972. She called two of her fellow crew members in to witness what she had seen. 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. Eastern Air Lines flight 401 encountered no problems while cruising between the two cities. The Lockheed L-1011 was the pride of the Eastern fleet and the first of a new generation of wide-body jumbo jets to crash. However, 75 people did survive the crash. She, too, couldnt move because of a fractured pelvic bone. I'm just blessed. - Flight Safety Foundation. The flight was largely uneventful, but, on approach to Miami, the flight crew had become fixated on a faulty indication in the cockpit. In his first public comments since his highly publicized move from Atlanta United, Martinez told the Herald that his girlfriend, two-month-old son, and more than half his friends live in Doral. The swamp water that may have saved him also caused him to get gangrene, causing it to swell to three times its normal size and smell "like rotten eggs." The granite monument, installed just north of the Miami International Airport, now serves as a permanent tribute to those who died when the Miami-bound Eastern Air Lines flight 401 crashed in the Everglades on the night of Dec. 29, 1972. This month represents the 50th anniversary of the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, which crashed into the Florida Everglades in December 1972. "It save me from the 400 pounds of debris that was falling on me," she said. And then it was complete silence and I thought I was the only one alive.". But it also crept into popular culture through . Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 departed New York for Miami on December 29, 1972. Eastern Airlines Flight 401 was on its way from New York to Miami on December 29th, 1972, with 13 crew and 163 passengers onboard. Bob Loft decided to try to troubleshoot and fix the light before landing and put the plane on autopilot. The Story Of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401. Total construction cost: $5 MILLION. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, another Eastern Airlines CFIT . Four hours after the accident, the coastguard and rescuers arrived, their efforts hampered by the difficult location and conditions. Two days into recovery his dad came into his hospital room. The survivors were taken to a narrow levee where helicopters took them to hospitals. In another part of the Everglades, flight attendant Mercy Ruiz shivered, her body soaked in kerosene. The other 101 people on Eastern Airlines Flight 401 died quite horribly 98 in the Everglades where the airplane crashed, three later in hospitals. What none of the passengers in the plane knew was that the light for the nose gear wasn't working. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 1pm on Curtiss Parkway, near the Miami Springs Golf Course. She heard the cries of people and shouted, 'Follow my voice, I am a flight attendant' so that any surviving passengers could find her. "I said, 'Oh my god we crashed, we crashed.' "I number things one to ten in my life, ten's the plane crash," he says. "I just remember their heavy breathing. Robert Loft, 55; First Officer Albert Stockstill, 39, and Second Officer Donald Repo, 51, all of Miami-Dade. The captain was 49-year-old James Edward Reeves, who had been with Eastern Air Lines since 1956. 255153N 803543W. Naked in the cold water, surrounded by tall sawgrass, he heard an airboat. Were talking about 75 people who have varying degrees of injuries and now have to navigate an airplane wreckage in the alligator infested swamp. Airboats represent a certain degree of sentimental value for survivors of Flight 401. The idea for a memorial for Eastern Flight 401 first popped up at the 35th anniversary gathering in the Everglades. I say, 'Calm down, Ron, what number is this? According to a National Transportation Safety Board report, the pilots placed the landing gear handle down but noticed the green light that indicates that the nose landing gear is fully extended and locked failed to illuminate. Washington, DC 20006, Online Donations can be made at www.PlaneSafe.org. And then she started walking away, trying to help people. The crash killed 101 people, including Stanich. It also marked the first the first jumbo jet to crash. So when Im stuck in traffic, I say, Ron, What number is this? We just hit,' she said. Now you can see the construction of the new pool with your own eyes. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. The City of Miami Springs, Raposa emphasized, provided intense, intense support with the involvement of the mayor, the city manager, and the municipal public relations team. "What saved my life was chute on that dooractually on impact it inflated, she recalled. There were 75 survivors, including a 23-year-old flight . One survivor, certain Marquis carried him to safety, once showed up with a $1,000 check. In other words, more building space. Writer - Patricia joins Simple Flying with over 20 years of experience in aviation. Raposa emphasized that she feels safer up there. Raposa concluded that 50 years beyond the crash, survivors and supporters still carry the victims of Flight 401 in their hearts. Infantino had met his wife, a Little Havana resident, when he moved to Miami after the Air Force. In one of South Florida's worst air disasters, Eastern Airlines Flight 401 from New York's JFK Airport to Miami crashed on Dec. 29, 1972, in the Everglades after the crew became distracted by a burned out landing-gear light. . "I hear this voice scream out in the Everglades," he said. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was a scheduled flight from New York JFK to Miami.Shortly before midnight on December 29, 1972, the Lockheed L-1011-1 TriStar crashed into the Florida Everglades, causing 101 total fatalities. While in the cockpit one day, preparing for the flight, another pilot heard loud knocks from under the floor beneath him. Theres another photo Ruiz has analyzed over the years. If were a little late, its overtime.. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was on its final approach into Miami shortly before midnight 50 years ago this month when a single light bulb on the aircraft's instrument panel failed to illuminate. After the impact the aircraft disintegrated, scattering wreckage over an area approximately 1,600 feet long and 300 feet wide. Photo: Jon Proctor Collection. There was no fear, no panic, no anything. Patricia McQuigg, Beverly Raposa, and Mercy Ruiz joined Infantino this week at a program to teach airline experts and passengers the lessons learned from a dark night in the Everglades. The rescuers, Coast Guard members and Miami-Dade fire fighters and police officers, worked throughout the night finding survivors. She came back and said, Mercy, I cant. She couldnt see.. 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Those still in a sufficiently usable state were used again on the Eastern Air Lines fleet. There were 75 survivors. He was offered the job. Almost 40 years ago, Eastern Airlines flight 401 crashed. The crash of Eastern Flight 401. Raposa brought the baby to Ruiz, who cradled him to keep warm. Updated on: December 29, 2022 / 6:57 PM Robert Marquis, an airboat captain out hunting frogs that night, witnessed the crash and rushed to the rescue, suffering burns to his face, arms, and legs as he ferried survivors to safety. Bud Marquis raced to the scene to assist survivors and he used his head-mounted light to signal the first U. S. Coast Guard HH-52A as to where . Thus, Raposa continued, It was 101 airboats that actually went out there, and we lost 101 souls. In addition to the airboats, Ruiz described freefalling white flowers from small aircraft overhead. Her face was burnt, but the coolness of the swamp seemed a relief. The plane was heading away from the city lights. Eastern Airlines Flight 401. The crash spawned a number of books, films and other media, along with legends of ghost signtings involving crew members who were killed. Pieces of the shattered plane lay scattered in the muck and jet fuel stained the inky waters of the Everglades. The sound, a huge fireball that went through the cabin," she recalled. I know how much you miss me, and I miss you too. Beverly has often wondered how she survived how anyone survived. She asked fellow flight attendant Patricia Ghyssels, who sat across from her, what was going on. They were exhausted. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. I said, 'I know what you're going through because I lost somebody too.' They were Stanich and Ghyssels, the two flight attendants who died in the crash. She has served as cabin crew on flights from economy-class to private jets. She found Beverly and commented 'it's a bad dream, we are going to wake up.' This commemorative event in the Everglades represented one of many, which also included smaller meetings among survivors and supporters. The aircraft was delivered to Eastern Air Lines on 30 January 1969. There's so many good things, positive things came out of Flight 401, that this plane crash can never happen again with all the safety features put on it, said Infantino. It was time to leave as each of us will do. Raposa was one of 75 survivors. Perhaps the most extraordinary and credible research into the ghost phenomenon ever documented is the so-called "Ghosts of Flight 401."On December of 1972, an Eastern Airlines Tri-Star jetliner, Flight 401, crashed into a Florida swamp.Read the accident report (PDF). But doctors were able to reattach his arm. Later, he recognized that the pilot he'd been speaking to was, in fact, Bob. The memorial monument will be accessible by foot and car, with parking and benches located nearby. gadunham@aol.com. Raposa added that Flight 401 has also been widely incorporated into safety training for pilots and flight attendants. Sometimes, it doesnt seem like 50 years.. one of the deadliest plane crashes in South Floridas history, Were down. Flight 401 crashed in Miami 50 years ago. Contact us: info@MiamiSprings.com Against the backdrop of a bright green and quiet golf course, some of the survivors accompanied by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Springs officials mourned the dead, prayed for their souls and vowed to always remember them. When youve stared death in the face just as I have, she said, you dont take things for granted anymore.. Three of the 4 cockpit crew members, two of the 10 flight attendants, and 96 of the 163 passengers were killed; there were 75 survivors. 50 years later, memorial dedicated to survivors, families of Eastern Flight 401 crash. The Story Of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, took a look at the eight most intriguing examples. "Ah, tower this is Eastern, ah, four zero one, it looks like we're gonna have to circle, we don't have a light on our nose gear yet," the pilot told the control tower at MIA. Before ValuJet there was Eastern Flight 401. Miami Springs, a bedroom community bordering Miami International Airport, was home to many Eastern employees in the 1970s and 80s. With the 50th anniversary comes an opportunity for remembrance and reflection, to honor the lives lost and contemplate the tremendous improvements in aviation safety that followed the accident. "He said they found Lilly's body," he said. My arm was hanging there. But before we begin this spooky tale, we must first go back to December 29, 1972 on board Eastern . "It was beautiful," said Infantino said of the jet. All rights reserved, WATCH LIVE: Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Roadway in Western Broward. Eventually, all of the salvaged parts were removed from aircraft, and neither Bob nor Don were ever seen again. Both would die in the crash. The answer was fine, but unfortunately the controller didn't specifically mention the altitude so no one was the wiser. Its just special to me that we are remembering all the people who lost their lives, Quinn said. Based in Norwich, UK. Survivors. One minute, he was resting in his seat with his arms folded. Earlier this year, Simple Flying took a look at the eight most intriguing examples. His knee was badly dislocated, his shin able to swivel in any direction. He warned them of a faulty electrical circuit, which was then found and replaced. Then came the final and fatal mistake. The video below recounts the moment by moment incident that led to the crash as well as interviews with some of the survivors and witnesses. He was flying from New York that night with his bride of 20 days, Lilly. The pilots engaged the autopilot so they could inspect the light and the landing gear but the darkness apparently made it hard to see. Its a bad dream. A flash fire also developed from sprayed fuel. "I said, 'Please don't leave me here alone, I'm so cold,'" he remembers pleading with her. The crew had previously been encouraged to report every incident pertaining to the flight in the aircraft log books, and many sightings were recorded. The 76-year-old said his wife of 20 days, Lilly Infantino, died in the crash. READ MORE: Were down. Flight 401 crashed in Miami 50 years ago. 401 JFK-MIA Dec. 29, 1972. Ruiz continued her career as a flight attendant, flying for both EA and United (UA) in the years following Flight 401. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Aviation consultant Bennie Benitez said there were many positive safety elements that came out of 401, like flash lights on all planes. 103 passengers and crew members died in the crash or shortly thereafter and 75 passengers/crew survived. Beverly Raposa switched seats from her regular position in the galley for a flight from New York to Miami. Three of the 4 cockpit crew members, two of the 10 flight attendants, and 96 of the 163 passengers were killed; there were 75 survivors. And he said the disaster taught him something about life. . She was dazed and disoriented but noticed a penlight flashing nearby. Its like the light they needed in the Everglades on that December night 50 years ago. "It banked to the left and those engines roared to take off power and we hit. That memory never goes away, he told the Miami Herald 50 years later. "She said, 'I have to find my family, but here's my sweater.' According to the Official Eastern Airlines Flight 401 history website, the passengers that survived the flight are: In addition to the passengers, the following crew members and Eastern Airlines employees also survived the crash: To visit the Memorial, just head towards the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club and park at the southern edge of the parking along Curtiss Parkway or at the Driving Range. Beverly attended to the injured and calmed any survivors she found. I just regret not getting a chance to say goodbye. Now, survivors are planning the first memorial marker. https://new.miamisprings.com/images/news/pool-capture.jpg. The heroism of Marquis and others and the heartbreaking loss of life that night are remembered and honored in an exhibit opening January 14 at HistoryMiami Museum in downtown Miami. Beverly vowed to make a permanent memorial to those who were killed. Eastern Airlines Flight 401 left a mark on the aviation industry and permanent scars for survivors and loved ones of those who died in the crash. Pin. The plane then veered to the left and was thrown into darkness. Please enter valid email address to continue. "The priest came over and asked me what my religion was," he remembers. But a light didnt confirm whether the landing gear was down. The 50th Anniversary of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 Memorial Monument will be dedicated in a 1300 EST ceremony on December 29, 2022. Click on contribute in the blue box in the right column of the home page. His right arm was nearly severed, his left knee broken, his chest crushed. Based in Dubai, Ghosts On A Plane? / CBS Miami. "We're still at 2,000 feet, right?" Hardly anyone has stopped by in 35 years to discuss the crash. Off-topic, inappropriate or anonymous posts may be removed. And never go out of the house angry. "I remember hitting, I woke up and I was in a sitting position water up to my chin, no clothes on, everything was stripped right off me except the rims of my socks," said Infantino. North Miami Beach, FL (PRWEB) December 7, 2007 On Monday, December 3, 2007 survivors of Eastern Airlines Flight 401, gathered at the Metro-Dade Firefighters Memorial Building, in Doral (Miami), Florida, to remember the 101 passengers and crew, who lost their lives in the fateful crash of a Lockheed L-1011, jumbo-jet in the Florida Everglades, December 29, 1972, while en route from New York to . Raposa had found her. As you might expect, she later picked from some photos that Don was the engineer she had seen. 101 out of the 176 occupants onboard the aircraft perished. Was it a burned-out $12 bulb or a faulty landing gear? READ MORE: Eastern Flight 401 introduced new safety measures and books, movies and ghost stories. /24-7PressRelease/ - MIAMI, FL, December 07, 2007 - On Monday, December 3, 2007 survivors of Eastern Airlines Flight 401, gathered at the Metro-Dade Firefighters Memorial Building, in Doral (Miami), Florida, to remember the 101 passengers and crew, who lost their lives in the fateful crash of a Lockheed L-1011, jumbo-jet in the Florida Everglades, December 29, 1972, while en route from New . All of the bodies were recovered, 99 perished that night, two more would die from their injuries. Located just across from the Miami Springs Country Club, survivors and families hope this memorial brings comfort 5 decades later. A desperate search and rescue effort began almost immediately. Eastern Airlines Flight 401 crashed into the Everglades on a moonless night on December 29, 1972. The crash was a result of the flight crew's failure to recognize a deactivation of the autopilot during their attempt . On duty that day was also Stephanie Stanich, Trudy Smith, Sharon Transue, Beverly Rapoza and Dorothy Warnock. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was a scheduled flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Miami International Airport. Eastern Airlines Flight 401 was on its way from New York to Miami on December 29th, 1972, with 13 crew and 163 passengers onboard. Now the names are there and they will never be forgotten, Ruiz said. Amid the confusion, the distracted crew didnt notice the auto pilot button was switched off. At 7:45 p.m. on December 29 that year, an Eastern Air Lines jet out of Tampa, Fla. arrived at Kennedy Airport, one of the airline's hubs, for routine maintenance. Unfortunately, 101 passengers and crew perished in the accident. Wow, what an experience that was. Then he noticed that the pilot did a fly-by the airport. 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