Flight attendant says training helped her respond during jet crash
Posted: Monday, February 07, 2005
TETERBORO, N.J. (AP) -- A flight attendant who helped passengers to safety last week after their corporate jet crashed into a warehouse while trying to takeoff said her emergency training prepared her to respond.
Angelica Calad-Gomez, 22, watched through the cockpit windshield while the jet roared across a New Jersey highway and headed for the warehouse. She covered her face as the impact sent glass and debris flying into the plane during Wednesday's crash at Teterboro Airport.
When fire broke out in the cabin, Calad-Gomez quickly helped all eight passengers off the jet, then tried to help the pilot and co-pilot.
"I knew they were hurt. I thought they didn't make it," she told The Star-Ledger of Newark for a story published Sunday. "The pilot was saying, 'Just go, just go, the plane is going to blow up,' and I got out ... I started running. I thought that was it, that was the end for me."
She escaped with only minor injuries and received praise from colleagues and passengers for her swift action.
"You never think you're going to use your (emergency safety) training, but I did," Calad-Gomez said. "It was just instinct."
The plane was carrying a group of investment bankers to Chicago. The eight passengers suffered minor injuries, while the pilot and co-pilot each suffered broken legs and remained hospitalized. A passenger in a car struck by the plane also remained hospitalized with head injuries.
"I'm definitely going to fly again," she said. "The way I see life, I believe there's destiny. Maybe God gave me a second chance. That doesn't mean you hide out."
Angelica Calad-Gomez, 22, watched through the cockpit windshield while the jet roared across a New Jersey highway and headed for the warehouse. She covered her face as the impact sent glass and debris flying into the plane during Wednesday's crash at Teterboro Airport.
When fire broke out in the cabin, Calad-Gomez quickly helped all eight passengers off the jet, then tried to help the pilot and co-pilot.
"I knew they were hurt. I thought they didn't make it," she told The Star-Ledger of Newark for a story published Sunday. "The pilot was saying, 'Just go, just go, the plane is going to blow up,' and I got out ... I started running. I thought that was it, that was the end for me."
She escaped with only minor injuries and received praise from colleagues and passengers for her swift action.
"You never think you're going to use your (emergency safety) training, but I did," Calad-Gomez said. "It was just instinct."
The plane was carrying a group of investment bankers to Chicago. The eight passengers suffered minor injuries, while the pilot and co-pilot each suffered broken legs and remained hospitalized. A passenger in a car struck by the plane also remained hospitalized with head injuries.
"I'm definitely going to fly again," she said. "The way I see life, I believe there's destiny. Maybe God gave me a second chance. That doesn't mean you hide out."
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