Singapore, November 1, 2011 — In recognition of the extraordinary airmanship and crew coordination following an uncontained engine failure, the Flight Safety Foundation presented the Professionalism Award in Flight Safety to the crew of Qantas Flight 32 at its 64th annual International Air Safety Seminar in Singapore.
On November 4, 2010, the number 2 engine failed shortly after take-off from Singapore’s Changi Airport. The uncontained failure damaged the nacelle, wing, fuel system, landing gear, bakes, flaps and the controls of engine number 1. The pilots methodically assessed the damage and ultimately returned to Changi airport and safely landed the plane. No passengers were injured.
“This is a small way that we can note our appreciation for the professionalism exhibited by the entire crew of Flight 32 in their successful effort to return their crippled plane to the airport and land it safely,” stated FSF President and CEO, William R. Voss. “They calmly assessed the deluge of error messages, prepared the cabin for an emergency landing and landed the plane with no injuries. This is the epitome of professionalism in aviation.”
The Professionalism Award was presented today to Capt. Richard Champion de Crespigny, pilot-in-command; Capt. David Evans; Capt. Harry Wubben; First Officer Matthew Hicks; Second Officer Mark Johnson; and Customer Service Manager Klaus Michael von Reth.
The Flight Safety Foundation presents this award to recognize acts of valor. It is given to crewmembers who rely on skill and quick thinking and display outstanding performance in the cause of flight safety.
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Flight Safety Foundation (flightsafetstg.wpenginepowered.com) is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.
Contact: Emily McGee, Director of Communications, 1-703-739-6700, ext. 126; mcgee@webdeva.flightsafety.org
