Inspiring Heroism Emerges in 1982 Potomac Airplane Crash | Air Florida Flight 90 Case Analysis

[@frisk151]

I have are really high bar for what an actual HERO is for me. A civilian jumping into freezing water to save someone they don’t even know is absolutely a hero in my book.

[@zaqwsx2811]

Unfortunately, the term has been minimized by equating it with the likes of hitting a baseball over a distant fence, or tossing, catching or running with a football to some dramatic degree

[@TronBonneVonne]

​@zaqwsx2811 indeed, but i say 'tis high time we bring the original meaning back in style! I know of, and know personally, many everyday heroes. Most are hard working parents, others dedicated their lives and even sacrificed their own lives to save another human being. Empathy needs to come back, big time!

[@jbinmd]

Lenny Skutnik is the one true hero. He's the only one who had a choice to help, and he took it

[@diffrntlytwistd7442]

@@jbinmd A very brave man, He already knew for a FACT that if anything went wrong for him, NOBODY watching was going to jump in and help. And he jumped anyway.

[@marcdesaussure1586]

@@jbinmd I consider Arland D. Williams to be a hero (as well as Lenny Skutnik). Williams passed rescue lines to other survivors, though he himself did not survive. Other people were spared their lives because of what Williams did.

[@albin2232]

The internet often portrays the worst of humanity. This video shows the best.

[@Nick-b7b9s]

I heard the pilot was a trans dwarf person of color....De icing

[@ronnie_5150]

Unless you count the 50 or so first responders casually standing on the bank of the river watching a woman drown while a bystander saved her life.

[@Nick-b7b9s]

The facts are the following: many more people die in auto accidents each year in the United States (about 40,000) than in airplane crashes (less than 1,000). But that certainly doesn’t answer the question by itself. People spend a lot less time in airplanes than in cars, on average. In fact, it turns out that your risk of death per hour is about the same in a car as in a plane.

[@CJK57]

@@ronnie_5150 I saw that years ago when it happened and i saw rescue standing around lowering themselves slowly with a rope while Larry Skutnik jumps in a saves that women. Larry is a genuine hero, that rescue team that was seemingly watching that woman drown must surely of learned a lesson about the need for action from watching Larry Skutnik in action.

[@patriciafeehan7732]

@@albin2232 If you like to watch something about citizens helping on KZbin there is The Boat Lift. On 9/11 few know, there were over 500,000 people who fled to the piers behind The World Trade Center. They were trapped between the WTC and the River, once understood this was an attack The United States Coast Guard sent out a broadcast- ATTENTION ALL BOATS…The Coast Guard was fearful they may have been compromised and did not want to risk this large movement of people. The film..Boatlift is a True Story.

[@sharaku20]

"Heroism is rarely some type of grand declaration. More often it is a quiet decision made in a fleeting moment" - Dr. Grande That's the greatest description I've heard. Always, as Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers"

[@mgmarrow]

Dr. Grande's statement, "Heroism is rarely some type of grand declaration. More often it is a quiet decision made in a fleeting moment" is simply brilliant. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@canterburytail2294]

Mr Rogers was a lovely man.

[@matthewcoleman1919]

Lenny and Arland are reminders to us all that the only requirement to be a genuine Hero is a willingness to care about something other than one's self. I particularly love that Lenny never made any great bones about what he'd done, he thought it was normal, what anyone else with the capacity would have done. I'm sure Arland would have said the same.

[@ohioplayer-bl9em]

Men ... Just being men. When men still could be men. #basedAF

[@Aquascape_Dreaming]

Very well put, but I feel it important to note that both Lenny and Arland would also likely be the type of men least likely to judge others on their inability to respond.

[@Marilena-y9j]

@@Aquascape_Dreaming I'll bet you're right about that.

[@matthewcoleman1919]

@@Aquascape_Dreaming Quite so. I think they'd both have been waving anyone away who wasn't able to respond effectively. They just saw clearly what they were capable of doing, and did it. Whatever the cost may have been. In Arland's case his clarity involved knowing that he was going to die, in any case. In Lenny's it was knowing that if he didn't do it, likely no one would. They're both quotidian heroes, though, imho, which makes them all the more respectable. No Oprah, no advertisements, no Instagram, just "what can I do?"

[@Christian_Girl120]

You got that right!

[@major__kong]

Regarding Lenny Skutnik and heroes in general, Elliot Ackerman, a former Marine who fought in Iraq, once said, "What’s the opposite of fear? It’s not courage. Courage is not an emotion. You never feel brave. The opposite of fear is love." Elliot Ackerman was talking about why fellow soldiers will run into the line of fire to save a fellow soldier.

[@Blissfulnessence]

For love casts out all fear...

[@Katarina-ds5mj]

Amen.

[@floodruckus]

Well said.

[@SeekLuminousThings]

How profound and insightful.

[@frchka7164]

I am choked up at the sacrifice and courage of those two heroes.

[@GigiRulesTheRoost]

me too. I am tearing up. wow

[@MrJruta]

Same

[@moochoman9948]

Big time 🥲

[@ACcool981]

😭

[@19127bh]

These two men did not consider their lives so lofty that they could not risk their lives to save others.

[@MrTrotwood]

Thank you for showing us who REAL heroes are

[@b0rd3n]

You too, are one, to someone i'm sure. If the time comes, maybe you could be a hero to many more but let's hope you don't uave to be faced with such a choice.

[@Catherinzsl]

I remember sitting in a plane on the runway at Bradley Int'l Airport (Hartford, CT) in a snowstorm, as the de-icing truck moved from one wing to the other. As soon as one wing was clear, the other needed re-de-icing. Some of the other passengers impatiently wondered why we didn't "just go." I'm always happy to wait until it's safe(r).

[@kimgaudreau9269]

I sat on a plane being de-iced years ago in Boston. It was absolutely nerve wracking. I knew there was a short window of time before the effectiveness wore off and I can still remember how the whole plane was silent. Every passenger on board knew the gravity of the situation. Looking out the window watching that thick dark liquid being poured down was eerie.

[@sandrag3854]

Your addendum had me tearing up. Truly amazing gentlemen. Not all heroes wear capes.

[@Tryp-j9d]

Cartoons? REALLY?????!!!!

[@pamelastevens1609]

​@@Tryp-j9dChill out. It's a popular saying. Read it again and think about it.

[@patriciafeehan7732]

It was a good thing I brought up the 1982 crash. A horrible thing to witness, one “older man” caught the lifesaver and he place on a “young girl” - then he went under passed away. That image will never leave me, another man on the bank tried to use his tow truck, he pulled many ashore. He just returned to his truck and drove away - it took a few days to find this hero. He was still in shock. He is the man in the film with the rope and cable.

[@allegory7638]

Yep, heroes don't advertise.

[@patriciafeehan7732]

@ As I recall this incident, they were really searching for this man. If memory serves me it was his wife who called, and he didn’t tell her about it. He was identified - and he was still in shock. Fight or Flight.

[@archi-dr5te]

Two amazing gentlemen. Appreciation to the responders and skilled helicopter crew.

[@PawsleyDirt]

Shout-out to the pilot!

[@joanofarcxxi]

Mr. Williams was an angel. I can't imagine that kind of courage and selflessness. He only focused on saving the others. Also, the ordinary citizens who jumped into the frozen water. Wow. I am so humbled by this story. I am chocked up.

[@carriefawcett9990]

It's *choked* up

[@joanofarcxxi]

@carriefawcett9990 thanks. English is my third language, I speak 5, it can get confusing when it comes to spelling.

[@reconstructingleslie4597]

Lenny and Arland are true heroes! I cried over this one! Dr Grande thank you for sharing this one .

[@teriripley-ki3mg]

Thank you for re-telling this inspiring story of courage and adversity

[@PrissyHippie]

You are an incredible storyteller Dr G. I could listen to you for hours. I find your voice soothing and comforting. I bet you are a great Dad and partner. Your family is so lucky to have you. Thank you for all you do for us. Your hard work is appreciated.

[@lizp637]

Listened to him since 2019 😊

[@AndreaHaze]

I found him and Mr ballen during lock down ... They've been with me ever since....

[@shawngross5420]

I remember this incident as a kid. Harrowing video of the people in the water. The heroism has always inspired me.

[@suzanneharris8339]

That was a very informed accounting of the tragic Florida plane/helicopter crash. From now on, I believe Dr. Grande should be called upon in momentous occurrences, good & bad. He does a better job than any MSM talking head.

[@azulgaia7782]

Yes. Presidential.

[@Kdrive23]

Lenny Skutnik, Great American Hero

[@major__kong]

I think he was the first "ordinary" American invited to the State of the Union address to be honored. It's been a tradition ever since. Edit: Hah! I should have listened to the whole video before commenting.

[@marktrain9498]

Apparently he's still alive. I hope he's had a great life and is enjoying his retirement.

[@sarah2.017]

@@marktrain9498 As of 2010, when he retired, he lived in the same house and he and his wife were still married. (Yanno, she could have died in the meantime, KWIM?)

[@ecstaticbutter9164]

This was such a great idea to cover this older story with the current events. I’ve been watching your channel for years. Phenomenal content and insight as always. Thank you ❤️.

[@jilllacey7432]

This accident was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the terrible images from the Potomac. Not again. And in winter. Mayday has an incredible episode about Air Florida. Well worth watching. Much love to all of the victims, their families and heroes then and now. 😢

[@somerandomguy3868]

I also immediately thought of this tragic accident

[@Hermit_mouse]

You need more stuff like this on here, Dr. Grande

[@mrsh2167]

whenever I am down and discouraged, I watch video of Lenny Scutnik leaping into an icy river to save a stranger

[@RitaDoran-p4v]

I remember the first flight you are talking about as a kid I lived in Maryland it was horrifying to see and many brave people tried to save lives😢

[@ivanabear8824]

A lady who survived that crash came and spoke at our school. she told us how grateful she was to God and Jesus. i will never forget that.

[@markmidwest7092]

Yes, and the parade of people who did not survive, what are their families grateful for?

[@sarah2.017]

@@markmidwest7092 Probably grateful that their loved ones didn't suffer? One of the survivors lost her husband and baby, and they had to keep her from going back into the water to rescue them.

[@markmidwest7092]

@ So no matter what happens we should be grateful whether we live or die? Then what exactly are we grateful for? You mentioned being grateful for not suffering. So should those who suffer not be grateful then? Why did God chose them to suffer? They deserved it?

[@phlora]

Shame she wasn’t instead grateful, in that moment, for the countless hero’s listed in this video.

[@ivanabear8824]

@ you don’t think that God provided the heroes? i do!!

[@FroggyBarnett]

I remember this one. Used to watch a TV show on airline incidents. This was very sad.

[@emmel4fun]

This made me cry.😢

[@mjc1970]

Gee... this made me cry... I was 12 and in Australia. I remember this on the TV. This brought it home... excellent as ever

[@kentuckysparrow9846]

Thank you for covering this. I remember watching this in horror as it happened. Lenny swam out to that lady like superhero. Then when President Reagan introduced him at the State of the Union, I got goose bumps. As you said, he obviously didn’t see himself as a hero, but he was to me and all who saw that courageous rescue.

[@MG-ot2yr]

I was working in DC at the time, through 2019 when I retired. Routinely drove across the 14th St. bridge, but had left early that day due to the weather. People forget there was also a metro derailment that same day in one of the tunnels that had several fatalities.

[@LúciaKitten]

Thank you for your analysis on this case, Dr. Grande! I'd like to think that if I am ever "called" to help, I will be willing and able.

[@ronnie_5150]

7:36 This passer by jumped into the river to save her. While around 50 'first responders' stood on the shore watching her drown.

[@sarah2.017]

The passers-by who watched knew that they weren't up to it.

[@pyrholorange]

ive heard emergency services are forbidden from attempting to rescue drowning people without the right kind of floatation equipment. this is because a drowning person will drag a rescuer underwater and drown them, such is the nature of the panic they are experiencing.

[@ronnie_5150]

@@pyrholorange Well the guy with no equipment and zero training seemed to do OK. Anyone can simply be a robot and follow what they've been programmed to do. How a bunch of men could stand on a river bank and watch as a woman drowned is beyond me.

[@sparky6086]

Yes. I remember something about the firefighters who showed up to this Air Florida crash into the Potomac, not being able to jump in and save people due to "regulations", leaving it to Lenny Skutnik & others to do the rescuing. This gave firefighters a bad image. This image eventually was redeemed by their actions on 9/11.

[@sarah2.017]

@@pyrholorange This is one reason why rescuers, even very strong swimmers, often die themselves.

[@sweettina2]

Wonderful analysis, Dr Grande. I concur. I remember being a young mother in 1982, watching this on the special news broadcast on tv. Those images wnd videos made me cry so hard when prayed for them...seeing them again still makes me cry. The word "hero" is easily bandied about these days, this awful day had the blessing of having more than one hero. Thank you Dr Grande!❤🙏

[@iamegbert]

43 years ago! I lived in DC at the time. The Air Florida crash is indelibly marked in my memory. It was a horrible day.

[@eileenbauer4601]

I remember well the Air Florida crash. It was the first thing I thought of when I heard about the recent American Airlines/helicopter crash 😢 Thanks for talking about this, from a life-long resident of the DMV, 💔

[@noplacelikehomecrochet5335]

Most people now days will just live stream or video tape the tragedy happen. But there will always be heroes and those that will sacrifice themselves for others. ❤

[@Meela234]

You're right. Many would break out their cell phones and record. Then upload, trying to get as many views and likes as possible. Some would turn the camera on themselves to prove they were there. Soo sad.

[@Gus1966-c9o]

The palm 90 pilots also tried to back away from the gate using reverse thrust which messed up engine sensors and as a result gave errant thrust readings on takeoff. Essentially they didn’t set full takeoff thrust .

[@virginiagirl6628]

I was out of school in Arlington and watched this happening on the news. Those two men are definitely heroes! This video brings back a lot of memories.

[@culturalobserver8721]

I remember seeing this airplane crash on the news in 1982; I was 19 years old. I was impressed by Lenny S. saving that woman struggling in the water who was clearly in shock. It’s one of those moments you remember like it was yesterday.

[@KellyOShea6366]

I was just talking about that air Florida crash. The news footage was awful. Those poor folks.. Thank you for covering this, Grande.❤️☘️

[@samanthab1923]

I was telling my son about it. He remembered taking a class trip to DC & the bus driver pointed out the bridge to them.

[@rebeccafriedel9553]

@@samanthab1923 As I mentioned in another comment, I lived in the DC suburbs for decades. It was common to discuss that accident, the victims and the hero’s for years following the accident. I’m glad your son’s driver continued the custom. Reflecting on tragedies and the hero’s who stepped up to help feeds our better angels.

[@museumghost]

This is why I do not understand people who complain about airlines delaying flights due to weather! You’re gonna argue with the weather?? Yeah it’s annoying but it behooves airlines (and their customers) to not do things that lead to passenger deaths

[@CHARLES-p3o]

The recent crash made me immediately recall this accident. Great flying by the helicopter pilot. Not surprised he was a Vietnam vet.

[@philipwurm5121]

I remember that disaster…… Absolute nightmare! Lenny is absolutely a Hero 100% So is the fellow trapped in the wreck! God Bless them both!!!

[@lisaann915]

Thank you for sharing this. I remember watching this on TV while it was happening. It made me cry then and I'm crying now.

[@MadeByChinkee]

This made me cry. Bless those who doesn’t think twice in order to help others.

[@susansandler8429]

What a profound tribute to those heroes. Your commentary at the end was especially meaningful, moving and healing. You are such a gift, Dr. Grande.

[@RolandoRatas]

A great story, true heroism and doing the honourable and selfless thing in times of extreme crisis.

[@JB-is4ej]

Wow. This was the most moving video.

[@babayaga489]

Thank you for this. It restores my faith in thee human spirit ❤

[@AdamVest]

This may be your greatest video ever Doc delivering this inspiration at the time of all this aviation tragedy. My son is a pilot for Southwest based out of Baltimore right now so this could not have aired at a more relevant time for me.

[@michellehankins7854]

This is a great episode, what a nice refreshing story. Dr Grande, I suspect you’re recovering from a cold? Yet, you still complete a video for us. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@sjr7822]

Good to be reminded about this event, during the time I was so busy that I never heard the whole story, other than over the radio on the hour news broadcast. Glad you reviewed this and with the video included to fill us in There are so many variables, that the world is more dangerous than what we expect.

[@HappyCat3096]

I remember watching it at the time. It was frightening to watch. And we were amazed at Williams' heroism. I felt really bad for these people in freezing water on a freezing day getting windblown by helicopters. Back then de-icing procedures and materials were different. And IIRC it was thought the pilot was suffering from "get there-itis". He was under pressure to not run late and going back for another round of de-icing would take an hour or more. Plus he might have been coming up on how long he was allowed to work before taking a mandatory rest break. So there was time pressure on him. Management often does not care about safety (the Challenger explosion being a prime example), just the schedule.

[@lucycochran9733]

Great video! I remember the 1982 crash. We were out of work due to so much snow (in GA), so we watched the crash coverage on the TV a lot. Seeing those passengers in that freezing water was heartbreaking. I have never forgotten.

[@Suffragium.]

Thank you for this GREAT inspiring story

[@christhorney]

that bridge takes an impact from a 737 and just had a damaged gaurd rail instead of falling, crazy, props to the guy who had the bravery and clarity to pass the line to other survivours while in a dire situation

[@Mark-i3p2e]

Excellent video doctor! I'll never for get those two heroes from that day. Never, and I remember watching it on the news that evening.

[@marksmusic1972]

I was ten when the Air Florida crash occurred and I remember watching the news and it having a heavy impact on me at the time. It was like "real heroes" . I remembered the guy more that jumped in cause they interviewed him afterwards as well. I lived Williamsburg Va at the time so the storm that was keeping us home from school is what caused this crash if I remember right

[@k.h.2420]

Thank you for reminding us of that heroism in the face of tragedy. I am quite certain that today, everyone would just have their cell phones out.

[@monicasmessages]

We really needed this Dr. Grande. Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@jss4424]

Could you do more stories like this one? I felt like I really needed to hear this

[@quarteracreadventures855]

Thank you, Dr. Grande

[@uTube486]

The first thing I thought about after this crash.

[@sarahb2004]

Dr G is sounding better today! Hope you’re feeling better! 🥰

[@kellykane7586]

As aoon as I heard of this recent crash over the Potomac, they horrific footage of the 1982 crash were the first images to flood my mind . SMH

[@metaphysicswithariyana2794]

We need to know about people like Arwin and Lenny. Thank you for letting us know about them❤

[@crxtodd16]

Wow. This is such a huge tragedy, but also an incredible story of ultimate sacrifice and heroism. This makes me want to go above and beyond. Thank you for this..

[@zenawarrior7442]

The Potomac was very tragic too, they needed to wait for more de-icing. Can't imagine the fear these poor people felt. Lenny & Arlen were such heros. Excellent info & analysis as usual. Thanks Dr G😊💙🤍

[@bingchen1364]

Thank you for sharing this story.

[@phil4986]

Thank you, Dr. Grande for bring this long ago tragedy back into focus for the right reasons. I remember when this happened. The news footage was live and awful, as others have commented here. The young lady blinded by jet fuel, swimming to no where, was heartbreaking to watch . And then Lenny Skutnik jumped in. I think every person watching worldwide pretty much pushed him in. He did not disappoint. Neither did any other rescuer there that day. I still wonder if National Airports sound regulations, that forced pilots to not go full throttle, played a part in this crash. Pilots are reprimanded if they take off too loud there, as far as I know. I have a friend whose fiancé died on that flight and another group of friends, who were working in D.C. at the time, in two cars, who got over the bridge just a minute before the crash happened. Just awful stuff all around. Arlen Williams, those amazing Helicopter crews and Lenny Skutnik are truly special people.

[@TheFJ61]

Doc, this is unrelated to the current plane crash tragedy, but I really enjoy the research you put into your missing persons videos. Have you heard of/ considered covering the disappearance of Jason Jolkowski? It's certainly one of the strangest disappearances. He vanished without a trace on his way to work in Nebraska in broad daylight. Would love to hear your analysis/ thoughts on that one!

[@kenhill3230]

I remember when this happened. Total heroism jumping in that frigid water and the guy who knew he was probably screwed, but kept helping others.

[@FSR431]

The one thing I did not know about this was the negligence of the pilot. But it was the heroism of those two men that was so outstanding. As you say Dr. Grande, "it is the personal choice a person makes in their heart in a fleeting moment".

[@erictaylor5462]

That was 44 years ago? Damn, I remember it well. Where did all the years go. It took me so long to live the first 25 years of my life, but the second 25 feels like it passed in several weeks. And now I'm 5 more years along.

[@deanframe9095]

Love this video! It’s got to be one of my faves I think it even tops the Christmas tree tour!

[@alanapiana1970]

Thank you, Dr. Grande, for sharing the story of AF Flight 90. I remember seeing this on the news after school the afternoon it happened. I was only a 6th grader, but it made a lasting impression on me. Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this event.

[@radicalauthenticity316]

Very encouraging and inspiring. Well done, Dr Grande.

[@sixtolezcano3]

I watched this live on TV as a 13yo and wondered if I could be such a hero. I'd like to think so.

[@BrianG850]

I was on the bridge when this flight crashed into the Potomac. I was 2 years old, but present none the less. Great video. Well done.

[@powlperc]

Now THAT was an inspirational real-life tale!

[@SmallWonda]

I do remember watching this in MI - it was utterly gut-wrenching with not a thing I could do, and so many utterly helpless .- you couldn't imagine having been on that plane - especially with all the drama preceding the crash, those passengers really did endure hell. Dr. Grande, don't know if you ever did a review of the January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 that crashed into the Hudson - I was confusing these 2-events - I really did think the Miracle on the Hudson happened last century? That was amazing.., Thanks for speaking to the heroism of The Few...

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

I was nine years old when this happened. It was the first thing I thought of when I heard of the recent tragedy over the Potomac. I can still remember my father talking about the heroism and selflessness of those involved. Sometimes the worst situation can bring out the best in people. Thanks for discussing this Dr Grande.

[@dameneko]

It was refreshing to hear about people with courage and empathy for once, instead of the dregs of humanity that tend to dominate news cycles.

[@Christian_Girl120]

Thank you Dr. Grande for explaining this with absolute clarity. It helps us to know how and what happened. And kudos to those two heroes. Sometimes in the worst of situations some people come through.

[@seph4667]

Masterful account of such a deeply tragic hour. Thank you Dr Grande for your excellent work. May your channel be shared with millions. It certainly will, if you continue doing what you do best, after cruising.

[@tinai.3526]

I remember that event. So, when I saw a KZbin offering about a plane that crashed into the Potomac, I figured it was just a rehash from back in the day. I awoke to the new Potomac tragedy. Very sad!

[@byroni13]

Great work

[@maryd253]

Thank you for this.

[@michelewilki]

Thanks!

[@Robert-wy5so]

Great tribute to the heroes of this tragedy..

[@breakablehandlewithcare]

Dear Dr. Grande , Thank you for your thoughts , and admirable , compassionate analysis of this terrible event. ❤.

[@ABeautfulMess]

I lived on the Potomac in Alexandria..i was in the 8th grade. It was my first disaster. I just sat and cried..just awful

[@In_swedish_the_jam_means_sylt]

love the breakdown you do! i fall asleep to bloody murder every night Dr!

[@katemonicalucylaird3781]

What a wonderful and moving video ..Thanks so very much Dr.Grande..Those two gentleman were true heros , humanity at its best...❤

[@MakeItSo1111]

I really enjoyed this video Dr. Grande, I remember watching this plane crash rescue live. It was something to behold. ❤

[@Tawanda99]

That really touched me. I hope that if I was in that situation as a bystander, I would find the courage to risk my life to help others. Those people are heroes and may God bless them!!!❤

[@Emeraldcity70]

Your videos anymore are just perfect Dr. Grande. Oh, and "flying in an airplane? Oooooffffff the bucket list!

[@lisa63artist]

That day shook us all living here in the DC area. Wow.

[@AndreaHaze]

I remember this so well.....I was a senior in high school....I never forgot the bravery we saw unfolding before us that day .

[@MsSwitchblade13]

This makes me teary eyed. How selfless and heroic all those people were, especially the man who passed the line more than once.

[@bluesky902]

Thank you for sharing such a positive story - would love to see more of these on your channel