May 04, 2010
Tuesday AM

(SitNews) - The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) along with other partners will conduct a disaster drill at the Wrangell Airport May 5th to test the readiness of communications, teamwork and the airport's emergency plan.

The drill's scenario will be similar to New York's Hudson River aircraft ditching that occurred Jan. 15th involving a commercial airliner carrying 155 passengers.

According to DOT&PF's airport manager Patrick Taylor, the simulated incident will involve a Boeing 737-400 aircraft sustaining engine failure after a bird strike, forcing the aircraft to descend rapidly, crash and separate the plane with a portion entering the water.

"Styrofoam 'victims' will be released into the sea for rescue by the exercise participants," Taylor explained. "Each simulated body will have a specific injury and all passengers will have to be accounted for and treated."

Drill participants joining the Alaska DOT&PF will include Alaska Airlines, Wrangell Fire Department, Wrangell Police Department, Wrangell General Hospital, the Wrangell City Clerk's Office, U.S. Postal Service, KSTK Radio, Temsco Helicopters, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration and Ibex Weather.

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
www.dot.state.ak.us

 

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