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Blimp pilot dies saving passengers from fiery crash
An Australian blimp pilot killed in a crash of his airship was being hailed as a hero Tuesday for saving the lives of three other people aboard the doomed craft.
Michael Nerandzic was trying to land a Goodyear blimp at an airfield in Reichelsheim, Germany, when his passengers, three journalists, smelled fuel and heard a loud noise from an engine, according to news reports, including one in the Daily Telegraph in Sydney, Australia.
Realizing the ship was in danger, Nerandzic lowered it to just two meters (6.5 feet) off the ground and told the journalists to jump, according to the news reports.
Time.com: Harrowing photos as blimp catches fire, crashes
With the loss of ballast from the three passengers, the blimp shot up to 50 meters (165 feet) in the air, caught fire and then crashed.
Nerandzic's wife, Lyndy, told Australia's ABC Sydney that her husband sacrificed himself to save his passengers.
"When there was trouble on the airship he brought it down to as low as he could to let the passengers jump out and he stayed at the controls," ABC quoted Lyndy Nerandzic as saying. "As soon as they jumped out, of course, being an airship, he knew it would rise up and it did. They found him still at the controls when it crashed. He also steered it away from his ground crew."
"When they told me what he had done for the passengers, it didn't surprise me one little bit," she told the Illawarra Mercury. "He was a character. He was larger than life. He was so, so generous."
When the crash occurred, the airship was returning from a trip taking the journalists -Â a photographer from the Bild newspaper and two from the RTL TV network -Â to get aerial shots of a local festival, Spiegel Online reported.
The owners of the blimp, the Lightship Group, said in an "in memoriam" announcement on their website that Nerandzic, 53, was "one of the world's most experience airship pilots," with 18,000 hours of experience piloting airships over 26 years.
"Our thoughts at this time go to his wife and family, his colleagues past and present and many friends worldwide," the company's statement said.
The Lightship Group describes itself as the world's largest airship operator, with clients including Goodyear, Met Life, General Motors, DirecTV and Sanyo.
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yea buddy its astonishing how retarded the general population can be at times.
How truly heroic. I am sure he must have known his fate with the decisions this pilot seemed to have made. Truly this is the character of human I wish I was able to read more of in the media these days. Truly a remarkable man made even more extraordinary in death. My best wishes for his family and friends.
This pilot, when faced with his own imminent death, "put it together enough" to make heroic rational decisions that saved the lives of three people.
And you are surprised that his widow "put it together enough" to make a statement in honor of her own husband?
This is not about Germany or Blimps either, It's about a man and his manly act of courage and selflessnes. His name was Michael Nerandzic, a pilot who died so that others (may) live.
I would insist that all of you to read the article again (and this time) using that little something inside that cranium. Otherwise, stay inside the class room until your nannies pick you up.
MY SALUTE TO SIR MICHAEL!
Myk, I thought you might appreciate this – I posted in the wrong spot above – don't care what fun is poked at me, I think a tribute is appropriate 2x:
My brother has flown airships for over twenty-five years. He worked and flew with Michael Nerandzic, and when I read the news, called my brother today, he could hardly talk about the accident. He also wondered why Mike did not jump – but reflected that he must have wanted to ensure everyone was safe... He also said Mike was a first-class individual and "just a fantastic person." So, you jokesters and cynics out there – try to take it easy on the few hero's this world really has, recoginize this man for what he did in a crisis, and pray this does not happen to one of your good friends or family you love. If you do not pray, please show some class, respect, and honor to yourself and/or your parents; there are real people behind these stories and you are fortunate if you go through life unscathed. Michael Nerandzic was a hero in every sense – started out with a routine peaceful day, and made a hard decision to risk his life to save others – how awesome is that – in todays world! Ever met a person like him? My condolences to his wife, friends, and family. P.S. FYI – this is a newer design in airships and is flown in the U.S. http://www.airshipventures.com
I have a picture of that Blimp from that day. I live nearby in Frankfurt and me and my friends saw the Blimp – flying directly overhead it was struggling in the winds that day. When I saw the story – and the pic – I knew it was the same one. How tragic. Rest in Peace Pilot.
who the heck would go into one of those things unless threatened with a gun? I hope insurance companies rip those kind of guys off.
actually John, Insurance Companies would try not to pay. If they pay out, they loss money. So hopefully the family will hire a super amazing attorney. it wouldn't be surprising at all is at the end they try to say that it was "Human error"
actually John,Insurance Companies would try not to pay. If they pay out, they loss money. So hopefully the family will hire a super amazing attorney. it wouldn't be surprising at all is at the end they try to say that it was "Human error"
Yea because people are dying in Blimps all the time!
Yeah, I know. Who would ever go into a contraption that can go like 80 mph with just a metal little frame? I mean, over 100 people die per day in these things in the US alone!! Uh...wait...we are talking about cars right? I'm sure you avoid them like the plague!
I'm pretty sure, she wanted to put out a statement that honors her husband rather than put a statement out mourning him.
Ya know, immortalizing him into a hero.
That usually makes the grieving process easier.
Ya know?
YA? KNOW?
You're an idiot Saul...have you been living under a rock all your life? It's well known that in the first few hours and days of shock and grief a person can be more lucid and eloquent than they will be even months later. Michael Nerandzic is a true hero, a selfless man who died with honor and courage. His wife showed a similar strength by speaking so beautifully about him and sharing a little more of him with the world. Hardly someone wanting to be a "star." Grow up.
Very brave, a good ending.
Like.
Thank you for your earnest public display of your own depth and sensitivity.
Well, some people never miss an opportunity to find some kind of fault with absolutely everything that crosses their paths. Must be a rather joyless existence.
This happened for using balloons made in China.
My brother has flown airships for over twenty-five years. He worked and flew with Michael Nerandzic, and when I read the news, called my brother today, he could hardly talk about the accident. He also wondered why Mike did not jump – but reflected that he must have wanted to ensure everyone was safe... He also said Mike was a first-class individual and "just a fantastic person." So, you jokesters and cynics out there – try to take it easy on the few hero's this world really has, recoginize this man for what he did in a crisis, and pray this does not happen to one of your good friends or family you love. If you do not pray, please show some class, respect, and honor to yourself and/or your parents; there are real people behind these stories and you are fortunate if you go through life unscathed. Michael Nerandzic was a hero in every sense – started out with a routine peaceful day, and made a hard decision to risk his life to save others – how awesome is that – in todays world! Ever met a person like him? My condolences to his wife, friends, and family. P.S. FYI – this is a newer design in airships and is flown in the U.S. http://www.airshipventures.com
Thank you for a eloquent and appropriate statement. People should read your comment and take it ti heart.
Very well put. I am always moved by those who demonstrated more care for the well-being of others than they did themselves.
Just because you are weak and spineless doesn't mean the rest of us are. Go find a kosher pickle to suck on.
I would say that it is brave and compassionate. Apparently, You wouldn't know anything about that.
Way to make it about the widow and take away attention from the hero pilot. You sir are the definition of a D-bag.