A Heroic Pilot’s Act of Kindness: Wildfires in Maui and the Flight that Saved 300 Lives

2023-08-16 00:29:23

Wildfires hit Hawaii hard. (Photo/Dazhi/Associated Press)

Wildfires have ravaged the Maui area of ​​Hawaii recently, killing more than 100 people and turning the area into a hell on earth. A pilot was vacationing there with his family and ended up flying 300 people back to the United States. The airline also reimbursed their family’s air tickets to thank him for his assistance.

According to “The Messenger” report, before the fire broke out, United Airlines captain Vince Eckelkamp (Vince Eckelkamp) and his family flew from Colorado to Maui for vacation. They were supposed to return to the United States on the 8th, but the flight was due to Due to wildfires, there was a 33-hour delay.

The pilot flew 300 passengers back to the United States. (Picture/Flip Facebook)

As for why the delay was so long? Since there were no pilots, Eckelkamp volunteered that he might fly a plane. If no one volunteers, the flight will be cancelled, Eckelkamp said. Eckelkamp flew the plane wearing a polo shirt, shorts and tennis shoes and safely brought 300 people back to the United States.

According to reports, when Eckelkamp left the hotel to go to the airport that morning, he saw the city of Lahaina in a mess. His wife, Kathy, said it was crazy, power lines and trees were down, a few people were walking on the road, there was sand and tiles everywhere. Daughter Kelly recalled that they stayed on Front Street a few hours before the fire. It was really scary. If they were a few hours late, they might be in trouble.

Casey also posted on Facebook that on behalf of more than 300 passengers and crew members, she would like to thank Captain Eckelkamp for giving up his vacation to send everyone home. United Airlines is very lucky to have you. Thank you for your willingness to come forward.

It is understood that United Airlines reimbursed Eckelkamp’s ticket as a thank you for his help. Ekkelkan said he was happy to help, but he was only a small part of a huge puzzle. “Maui needs too much right now, and my contribution is very small.”

1692211852
#Super #handsome #pilot #encounters #wildfires #vacation #Hawaii…Volunteered #fly #plane #wearing #shorts #carry #people #United #States #International #CTWANT

Leave a Replay