Friday, December 20, 2019

NTSB Returned The Video

I made a call to NTSB on Thursday (12/19) and once again asked about having my video camera and data card returned.  Usually it’s the same answer, “I can not return the data until the final report is released”.  

This time I was told by the person in charge of our investigation that she would contact the lab and get everything sent to me.  Maybe it was my prompting, 'tis the season' and all that, I really would like my equipment returned. I think it would be a nice gift.

So today (Friday 12/20) UPS rang the doorbell and left a package. When I read the address I was speechless.  Mary and I, sitting together holding hands, viewed the accident video. Initially it made me feel sick, then I calmed down, and after multiple views I was ok with watching. I will never be comfortable with the sound of stress in our voices. My takeaways from viewing the video; My bride was amazing that day, I’m a very lucky man. I know Mary attributes our survival to my piloting, but, I owe our survival to her calming affect when the crap was hitting the fan.  We make one hell of a team. 

I am still debating if I should post the video for public viewing. I put together my Vlog type commentary before and after the crash footage. Maybe it will take some time to really digest it all, and figure out which direction to turn. For Mary and I, it’s like ripping that band-aid off all over again. As Tim Allen said on Last Man Standing, ripping a band-aid off with hair attached. Ouch!

Maybe we were both better off just wondering. My minds eye view of that day was ok to live with, the reality of that day was graphic, disturbing, and painful to relive. Be careful what you wish for was the first thing that came to my mind. 

Mary and I will continue to move forward, once again, enjoying travel by our new magic carpet. We are thankful to be here and as my former coworker AnnaMarie so perfectly said,  “You are blessed. Now do good things with the rest of your life.”

That sounds like a great plan. 

4 comments:

Chris said...

I have to be honest. The very thought of you reviewing that footage gave me a chill. And I did not even experience the events myself! In your place, I am not so sure that I could have brought myself to watch it.

With that said, I'm glad that you finally got your equipment back

ザイツェヴ said...

I would not post it, Gary. -- Pete

Gary said...

Chris,

It wasn’t easy. Be careful what you wish for seriously applies here. We both would have been happier with our memory of the day vs actual footage.

Gary said...

Pete,

That's what I am leaning towards right now. A few friends that have been through this every step of the way with me have seen it, other decided not to. Either choice was good with me.

I just don't think I want to put Mary and I out there, at our worst time, in such a situation. Appreciate your comments and thoughts.