Latest news with #Flight261
Bangkok Post
30-07-2025
- General
- Bangkok Post
An unforgettable flight
When Ruangsak "James" Loychusak saw news of the recent Air India plane crash, he was reminded of a similar incident that took place 27 years ago. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survivor of the June's plane crash, was seated in 11A. In 1998, Ruangsak was also seated in 11A when Thai Airways Flight 261, an Airbus A310-300 en route from Bangkok to Surat Thani, crashed leaving 101 people dead and 45 others injured. Although the two incidents took place 27 years apart, the fact that both survivors had the same seat sparked discussion on it being miraculous and how the fatal incident left emotional scars and trauma. "I lived with an intense fear of heights, fear of flying and fears triggered by even the smallest sounds that reminded me of that day. The memories echoed in my ears, lingered in my mind and became part of my daily life. As someone in the public eye, I could never escape talking about it. And each time I told the story, I had to relive it again and again. It was as if the trauma never truly ended," Ruangsak said. Ruangsak explained how the event was traumatic, both physically and emotionally. "Some passengers lost limbs, some lost their lives and those who survived, like myself, were left with wounds that ran deeper than what was visible." Physically, Ruangsak spent two full years in recovery dealing with broken bones, bleeding in the brain and damage to his lungs. "For many years, I deliberately avoided contact with anyone connected to the 1998 plane crash. Among the 41 survivors, I chose not to meet, talk or even learn about their lives because every time I did, the fear and trauma would return all over again," the singer recalled. Ruangsak acknowledged the setbacks such tragic events cause. For nearly three decades, he could not escape the incident. "The media -- newspapers, television, radio, and now online platforms -- have always wanted to hear my story. And each time I agree to an interview, I must force myself to revisit that day. I must recall every detail. And in doing so, I must endure that pain again. It never truly goes away," Ruangsak said. Personal Life Ruangsak's family was surprised by what happened and also heartbroken. Even though nearly 30 years have passed, James believes that incident still lingers in their hearts. He said: "It was, and still is, a nightmare -- not just for me, but for everyone close to me." Ruangsak expressed how "sometimes life presents us with patterns that seem meaningful, but not everything needs to be explained beyond what it is". Professional Career Before the plane crash, Ruangsak was living what many would call the golden era of his life. His music career had reached its peak -- he was well-known across the country and fans eagerly packed out concert halls to see him perform. He admits that he "achieved a level of success that every artist dreams of". So when the accident happened, he received an overwhelming amount of support and love from people all over Thailand. His name was on the front pages of newspapers almost daily. Ruangsak was constantly in the spotlight -- every channel, every day, for weeks and even months. Fans wrote letters, sent encouragement and prayed for Ruangsak's speedy recovery. That outpouring of support became Ruangsak's reason to fight. He knew he had to recover -- not just for himself but for the people who believed in him. He went through a full year of treatment and rehabilitation. Eventually, he was able to return to the stage and sing again. "It wasn't easy. There were moments of pain, sorrow and doubt. But I knew in my heart that I still had a role to play as a singer and as someone who brings joy through music. And that belief, fuelled by the love of my fans, helped me move forward." Life Beyond The Tragic Plane Crash The plane crash completely changed Ruangsak's perspective on life and perhaps that's the one reason he continues to agree to interviews even though every conversation forces him to revisit a memory he would rather leave behind. "I won't lie. It's painful to go back there. But what I gained from that experience is something I believe is worth sharing because not everyone gets the kind of wake-up call I did." Ruangsak learned that life should not be taken for granted. The only certainty in life is uncertainty itself. He counsels and wishes for people to follow their dreams, without waiting for the right opportunity because you never know if the next minute, the next hour, or even the next day is still promised to you. "If my story can remind someone -- anyone -- not to delay living fully, then perhaps reliving the pain in these interviews is worth it." Miracle, Healing And Gratitude Ruangsak was surprised by the coincidence with the Air India crash but he does not believe it meant that this particular seat is the safest or the luckiest. To him it's just a statistical anomaly -- an outcome of nature and nothing more. When a plane crash occurs, chances of survival are generally very low. Ruangsak said that a specific seat does not hold an advantage or disadvantage. He elucidated that the cause and nature of each crash are unique. No two incidents are ever the same. Ruangsak acknowledged some people see it through a spiritual lens or hold personal beliefs about fate, destiny or divine protection. Message To The Aviation Industry Ruangsak believes the airline industry across all carriers prioritises safety at the highest level, including Thai Airways. Despite what happened, Ruangsak still has complete confidence in Thai Airways as one of the world's safest airlines. What occurred that day was a tragic and unforeseen incident. It was an outlier compared to the sheer volume of successful flights that take place every day. Today, Ruangsak continues to travel by air with confidence on any airline. He follows every in-flight rule and safety instruction strictly. He knows those guidelines are there for passenger's protection and he respects the care that airlines take for their passengers. "Whenever I'm on a plane, I stay mindful. I pay attention to where the safety equipment is, where the emergency exits are and how the evacuation process works just in case the unexpected ever happens again." Lesson Learned Ruangsak wants to encourage everyone to live with mindfulness as when we are present in the moment, we give ourself the best chance to overcome any hardship that life presents. Mindfulness doesn't eliminate problems, but it helps us face people with clarity and calm, which often leads to better outcomes. And when accidents do happen -- whether on land, sea or in the air -- being mindful in those moments can make a crucial difference. It can increase your chances of survival and help you respond more effectively. "For those who travel by plane, I sincerely urge you to follow all aviation safety rules carefully. These regulations exist to protect you. Your attention to them could save your life," he concluded.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
‘We've lost control': Chilling cockpit audio resurfaces from Alaska Airlines Flight 261 before deadly 2000 crash
A haunting cockpit voice recording from the final moments of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 resurfaced on social media platform X, clocking more than 5 million views. The recording, capturing the last exchanges between the flight crew and air traffic control, offers a chilling insight into the mechanical failure that caused the aircraft to plummet into the Pacific Ocean on January 31, 2000, killing all 88 people on board. Also read: Video: Air ambulance makes emergency landing near Kedarnath, tail rotor damaged The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft was en route from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with scheduled stops at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and its final destination, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Everything appeared normal at takeoff, but mid-flight, the crew reported serious control issues. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the root cause of the accident was a mechanical failure in the tail of the plane. The horizontal stabiliser, crucial for pitch control, stopped responding due to the failure of a component called the jackscrew. Investigations revealed that the threads of the jackscrew had worn down excessively due to insufficient lubrication, ultimately rendering the aircraft uncontrollable. As the situation unfolded, the cockpit recording captured the flight crew's increasingly urgent communications: 'This is a test flight of the LF-261, which is in a dive here. LF-261, say again? LF-261, say again, sir? We're at 26,000 feet. We're in a vertical dive. Not a dive yet. But we've lost vertical control of our airplane…' The crew momentarily regained some control, reporting, 'We got it back under control, ma'am.' But the relief was short-lived as the situation deteriorated again: 'We're at 21,000 feet. Kind of stabilized… There's a little trouble shooting up. Can you give me a block between 20 and 25?' Controllers can be heard giving calm instructions, attempting to maintain communication and gather positional information. A key voice says, 'Okay. Sir, just do what you need to do there, Skywrath 5154. Keep us advised. Any intent in the water?' A voice responds, 'Yeah, I have the water in front of me,' indicating a chilling proximity to the ocean. The exchange reveals a desperate effort to both regain control and provide real-time updates as the situation rapidly deteriorated. Shortly after, controllers and other pilots tried to pinpoint the crash location. One voice reports, 'He's about two and a half miles off the east end of Anacapa,' confirming the aircraft's impact point. Another adds, 'Actually, he's on the northeast end, probably at 030 heading on Anacapa.' The reference to 'a boat in the area out right of Anacapa' and 'do you still see the spot?' suggests that the crash site had been visually confirmed on the water's surface, marking the tragic moment the aircraft hit the Pacific Ocean. All 83 passengers, two pilots, and three cabin crew members lost their lives in the tragedy. In remembrance of the victims, a memorial was established at Port Hueneme, California. The site features a 20-foot-long sundial, which casts a shadow on a plaque every January 31 to mark the day of the tragedy. Also read: Simi Valley plane crash: Small aircraft accident in Wood Ranch, first photo emerges
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could new tariffs cost Washington State $4.1B? What we know
The Brief President Trump temporarily paused his plans to impose new tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico. Economists fear that even though these tariffs are still pending, there are already impacts due to the uncertainty of the tariffs. SEATTLE - As President Trump puts a temporary pause on plans to impose new tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, economists are beginning to assess the potential economic fallout from trade disruptions and price hikes across the United States. A new analysis from Trade Partnership Worldwide reveals that Washington State could face a staggering $4.1 billion in economic losses due to these tariffs. Dan Anthony, president of the nonpartisan group that conducted the analysis, says the multibillion-dollar hit is not a drop in the bucket. By the numbers "From a business perspective, there's a lot of freezing," said Anthony. "There's warehouses at the border that are supplying both sides. You don't need as many warehouse workers if trade contracts significantly." Synthesizing numbers from the U.S. census, national data on tariffs and state figures on imports, Anthony has concluded tariffs on Canadian products alone could cost the state $2.75 billion, while Mexico's tariffs are estimated at $337 million, and those targeting China would amount to $1.08 billion. The impact would be felt across multiple industries, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. According to Anthony, toys Washington State imports from China are contributing to the billion-dollar projection. "This is an industry that has effectively faced zero tariffs for a really long time," remarked Anthony. Senator Maria Cantwell argued the agricultural sector, a key part of Washington's economy, is particularly vulnerable. Canada is Washington's largest agricultural export market, purchasing $1.3 billion worth of goods in 2023. Meanwhile, Mexico ranks fourth at $687 million. Everything from apples to frozen French fries, could see a ripple effect as prices rise. What they're saying "A lot of fertilizer products come from Canada and that's an area where you'd see farmer input prices go up," said Anthony. The state also imports large amounts of crude oil and natural gas from Canada, which are used for heating homes and energy production. "Those are products that Washington State is really only importing from Canada at least on the natural gas side," said Anthony. "The households in Washington are the ones that need it, the Canadians are the only ones supplying it and there's really nowhere to run." The Source Information comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Lauren Donovan. 18-year-old arrested in connection to multiple strong arm robberies in WA College student shot in both legs while inside Lakewood shopping center 14-year-old dies in South Seattle, mother arrested Remembering Alaska Airlines Flight 261: 25 years since tragic crash Former Sumner basketball coach found guilty of sexually abusing players To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Seattle high school principal on leave after DUI, reckless endangerment arrest
The Brief Chief Sealth International HS principal Ray Garcia-Morales was arrested for DUI and reckless endangerment over the weekend. The school district put him on administrative leave until further notice. We are still working to confirm if his charges were dropped and case closed like the school district claimed. SEATTLE - The principal of West Seattle's Chief Sealth International High School, Ray Garcia-Morales, has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. According to a memo sent to Seattle Public Schools parents, Garcia-Morales was arrested Sunday by police for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. The King County Jail roster shows Garcia-Morales was released from jail just after 7:00 p.m. Monday, meaning he was in jail through Monday when students returned to class. What we know The district announced Garcia-Morales has been put on administrative leave until further notice, with assistant principal Hope Perry serving in his absence. Officials also say the case against him is dropped and no charges were filed. What we don't know FOX 13 Seattle cannot confirm this, as his case status is listed as "dropped" in the jail roster, but his charges remain awaiting trial, meaning the City Attorney's Office could still elect to file charges at a later date. FOX 13 Seattle has reached out to the offices of the Seattle City Attorney's and the King County Prosecuting Attorney, and are waiting to hear back. The Source Information comes from Seattle Public Schools. 18-year-old arrested in connection to multiple strong arm robberies in WA College student shot in both legs while inside Lakewood shopping center 14-year-old dies in South Seattle, mother arrested Remembering Alaska Airlines Flight 261: 25 years since tragic crash Former Sumner basketball coach found guilty of sexually abusing players To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
WA rabbits targeted with darts, $5K reward offered
The Brief Rabbits are being found in Vancouver, Washington with blow darts embedded in them. The ALDF is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information about the acts. VANCOUVER, Wash. - Rabbits are being found in Vancouver, Washington with blow darts in them. Local officials say the area is near a school and fear for the safety of children in the area. Since November, Clark County Animal Protection and Control has responded to 10 reports of injured rabbits in the vicinity of Fourth Plain Blvd. South to Burton Road and Andresen Road east to Northeast 98th Avenue in Vancouver. This is described as a densely populated area where school children are passing lawns where more blow darts are being found. There is now a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is firing the darts. In addition to rabbits, local officials report finding a migratory woodpecker with a blow dart embedded in the abdomen seen at a feeder in the area. What they're saying "Discharging blow darts in a residential area puts everyone in the community, including children, at risk in addition to the prolonged suffering these rabbits and birds are enduring," said Clark County Animal Protection and Control Manager William Oglesby. "Washington's animal cruelty laws prohibit the infliction of pain, injury or death on animals, and these recent reports of dead and seriously injured rabbits, left to suffer in these residential neighborhoods, is certainly a crime," said ALDF Animal Cruelty Investigations Manager Linda Fielder. "We are hopeful that members of the community are able to come forward with information that will lead to justice for these animals and prevent similar actions in the future," she continued. What you can do Anyone with information is urged to contact Clark County Animal Protection and Control at animal@ or 564-397-2488. If you have any doorbell or other camera video you can share showing someone using a blow dart gun in the area it can be emailed to the above address. The Source Information for this article comes from the Animal Legal Defense Fund. 18-year-old arrested in connection to multiple strong arm robberies in WA College student shot in both legs while inside Lakewood shopping center 14-year-old dies in South Seattle, mother arrested Remembering Alaska Airlines Flight 261: 25 years since tragic crash Former Sumner basketball coach found guilty of sexually abusing players To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
