Despite Surviving Crash, Stunt Pilot Vows to Perform Next Year
Miraculously, even though the plan was left severally damaged, Younkin was pulled out of the wreckage alive.Miraculously, even though the plan was left severally damaged, Younkin was pulled out of the wreckage alive.Miraculously, even though the plan was left severally damaged, Younkin was pulled out of the wreckage alive.Miraculously, even though the plan was left severally damaged, Younkin was pulled out of the wreckage alive.
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November 13, 2009
Earlier this week, Matt Younkin was piloting a single engine aerobatic plane when it crashed into shrubs and trees in rural Arkansas. Miraculously, even though the plan was left severally damaged, Younkin was pulled out of the wreckage alive.
According to media reports, the 28-year-old, who runs and performs in Younkin Airshows, underwent a surgery but his injuries are not considered life threatening.
In fact, his family's statement suggest the dedicated pilot hopes to make a full recovery in time for the 2010 airshow season, KFSM.com, a local news source in Ft Smith-Fayetteville, Arkansas, reports.
Those who know Younkin are not surprised by his resilience. A third generation pilot, he lost his father Bobby Younkin in an airshow accident in 2005, but this did not stop him from pursuing his passion and thriving.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there were 1,559 airplane accidents in U.S. civil aviation in 2008, but statistics suggest 19 out of 20 people make it out of such crashes alive.
Safety experts recommend counting the number of rows between one's seat and the nearest exit when boarding a plane. They also say that in the wake of an accident, it is important to leave the scene as quickly as possible because it can become toxic or explosive. Time and conditions permitting, one should also take basic medicines and a blanket or other cover when leaving the plane to protect oneself from the elements.
Affected individuals may turn to the Crash Survivors Network or the Trauma Resource Institute for help with overcoming the stress of an aviation accident.
Earlier this week, Matt Younkin was piloting a single engine aerobatic plane when it crashed into shrubs and trees in rural Arkansas. Miraculously, even though the plan was left severally damaged, Younkin was pulled out of the wreckage alive.
According to media reports, the 28-year-old, who runs and performs in Younkin Airshows, underwent a surgery but his injuries are not considered life threatening.
In fact, his family's statement suggest the dedicated pilot hopes to make a full recovery in time for the 2010 airshow season, KFSM.com, a local news source in Ft Smith-Fayetteville, Arkansas, reports.
Those who know Younkin are not surprised by his resilience. A third generation pilot, he lost his father Bobby Younkin in an airshow accident in 2005, but this did not stop him from pursuing his passion and thriving.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there were 1,559 airplane accidents in U.S. civil aviation in 2008, but statistics suggest 19 out of 20 people make it out of such crashes alive.
Safety experts recommend counting the number of rows between one's seat and the nearest exit when boarding a plane. They also say that in the wake of an accident, it is important to leave the scene as quickly as possible because it can become toxic or explosive. Time and conditions permitting, one should also take basic medicines and a blanket or other cover when leaving the plane to protect oneself from the elements.
Affected individuals may turn to the Crash Survivors Network or the Trauma Resource Institute for help with overcoming the stress of an aviation accident.
