Good day. Just watched those pilots of Garuda with engine failure landing into a very narrow river avoiding many bridges. Sully had it easy compared to those guys. Why are these other pilots not even recognised? Hollywood craze?

The Garuda 421 incident was indeed remarkable airmanship. A (flame-out) freefall from 14K or 17K without power/hydraulics/radios and the resulting decision to make a 360 degree turn over that river to "safely" land/ditch between 2 bridges.

Not being able to re-start the APU due to a dead/faulty battery only added to their stress levels...and their physical determination to wrestle that aircraft back down.

Incredible story!

Only serious injury/fatality was for the two flight attendants at the rear of the aircraft upon landing.

Yes...these two pilots are "heros" in my books.

Thanks for bringing up this topic. That was the first 737 operated by Garuda. A remarkable pre-Sully heroic ditching. The captain retired in 2016 .. 45000+ good hours. 

 

Edited July 19, 20241 yr by History

I followed up on this accident as I'd not encountered it before. The two pilots undoubtedly managed to pull off a miracle. It's too bad they didn't start the APU to restore power and partial hydraulics prior to attempting engine restarts.