Tenerife le crash du siècle -1977 – MAYDAY Crash aérien – Documentaire Complet – HD – GPN

Le 27 Mars 1977, un épais brouillard envahit soudain l’aéroport de Los Rodeos à Tenerife. Le commandant de bord d’un Boeing 747 hollandais décide cependant de décoller avec une visibilité réduite et sans savoir qu’un autre 747 occupe toujours la piste. La collision est inévitable et le bilan est lourd: 583 m0🅡✝️s… et 64 survivants.
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Un document où se mêlent images d’archives, témoignages et interviews des rescapés, lecture des boîtes noires, rapports d’experts, et scènes de reconstitution (effets spéciaux et documentaire fiction).

Les reconstitutions de ce document sont basées sur les témoignages des survivants et les transcriptions des échanges radio entre les avions et la tour de contrôle.

00:00 Mise en contexte
12:02 Un voyage de rêve
26:49 Préparation de l’atterrissage
32:52 Autorisation de décollage
1:00:56 Déflagration
#crash #tenerife #aviation

Documentaire : Tenerife, le crash du siècle.
©Galaxie presse

This is a true story. This is my story. My name is Warren Hopkins. In 1977, I was 48 years old. Caroline, my wife, and I decided to treat ourselves to a cruise to the Canaries, off the coast of Morocco. The sun, the heat, the beach.

We dreamed of it after the winter we had in Chicago. On March 27, we were on board one of these two Boeing 747s flying to the Canary Islands. We were convinced that we were on our way to paradise, but we did not know that at the

End of the journey, in fact, it was hell that awaited us. How could anyone imagine that destiny, on that day, had decided to change the course of history? Of our history. Pan Am 1736, recall clear runway. Okay, sure, let’s call back clear runway. Thank you 1736. Did it clear? What’s the matter ?

Did he clear Pan Am? But yes. My God. Lesson. Shit. He forces us on. The idiots. Take off! Take off, take off, take off! Cleared ! Come on ! He’s going to crash into us. At the time, I thought a bomb had exploded on the plane.

It was as if every molecule in the atmosphere had exploded. I opened my eyes and saw that the device was on fire. I thought, “My God, we’re stuck. »there were 28 passengers in the upper lounge who had simply disappeared. Joan was there, she shouted to me, “Suzanne, take my hand.

»the engines were beginning to disintegrate. I think I let go of Johanne’s hand very quickly. I put my hands to my face and said, “Lord, my time has come. »It was my survival instinct that woke me up and said, “Get out of this plane. »I told him “I’ll jump first.

»I will break your fall. The plane collapsed on top of the passengers. I thought everyone was going to stay there. I felt responsible because I was unable to take care of my passengers. I felt so useless when I looked at the plane that I

Understood that there was nothing more we could do, that the fire was preventing us from returning. We didn’t know it at the time, but that day, we became, despite ourselves, the victims of the greatest air disaster of all time. It’s a disaster numbering in the hundreds. 562 dead and 72 injured.

The shock of these two monsters, full of kerosene, 200 tons of oil which will explode and which will transform these two devices into real infernos. It took the firefighters more than 12 hours to put out the flames and the minutes I experienced at that moment were

The longest and most terrible of my entire life. It’s a real miracle that I got through it. Then, of course, I wanted to understand what had happened? How could two state-of-the- art planes collide on the same runway? Why all these deaths? Where was the error? Where were the errors?

To understand, we have to go back five hours earlier, while we are still in flight. We arrive from Los Angeles via New York and fly over the Atlantic at 11,000 meters altitude towards Gando Airport in Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Fine sand beaches, grilled fish, midnight swims. No, stop, you’re turning me on.

This is the first time I have had such a pleasant flight. The same. We didn’t see the time passing. At least we had a good day. It was one of the first charters for vacationers going on cruises. Most of the passengers were retirees. They were going to Las Palmas where they

Were to board a liner for a ten-day cruise. After that, they had to fly back to the United States. But what I don’t know is that at that time, the archipelago was under threat from an independence group, terrorists who contested Spanish domination over the Canary Islands. But everyone must understand

That in the Canaries there is a war situation. As long as the Canaries are a colony, there will be war against Spain. If the Spanish government does not accept our three conditions, we will launch all-out armed struggle. We will continue the fight until the end. New York, the Canaries in six hours.

I do it again whenever they want. Time goes by way too quickly when you’re having fun. On board our flight, we are 380 passengers and 14 crew members, including two young stewardesses. I was on this flight with my best friend, Suzanne Donovan. We used to fly together.

We enjoyed it, we loved being together. Suzie, save some of your energy for Paris. We were just going to Las Palmas, unloading our passengers before leaving empty for Paris. Everything is going well, until the separatists decide to take action. And unfortunately, their action must take place precisely

Where we are going, at the Las Palmas airport. And we also don’t know that at the same time, another 747, this one Dutch, is also flying to the Canary Islands. On board there are 234 passengers and 14 crew members. The commander of this flight is Jacob van Zanten. It’s not just anyone.

He is chief instructor and it was he who trained the co-pilot, Klaas Meurs. Commander, I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could sign me a little autograph. It’s such an honor to fly with you. In fact, this commander is a bit of a star at KLM.

We find his portrait in the company’s magazines. These passengers are almost all Dutch tourists , like us, most of them are going on vacation. Except three young Dutch people who work and live in Tenerife. Among them, Robina van Lanschot. She will be the only survivor of the KLM flight.

How many can boast of having a banana tree in their garden? I don’t know what this seminar was for. After all, what did we do in Holland for a week, it’s true. We had meetings, discussions, but we were taught absolutely nothing about sales.

We were offered a ticket, we were able to see the family, we have no complaints. Well, come on, I suggest we celebrate our return this evening and turn Las Palmas upside down. Yeah. You agree ? The three of us were returning from Holland where we had had a rather quiet week of work.

I lived in Puerto de la Cruz, a small village in the northwest of Tenerife. Yvonne and Walter were traveling with me. It was good to see his colleagues again every year. On board, the atmosphere was really pleasant. We got along wonderfully. The Dutch, just like us,

Enjoy their last minutes of flight before the beach and the sun. And the pilots begin to prepare for landing. Are you now looking at the approach procedures for Gando? Yes, I also took the opportunity to do a final check. We can do the briefing whenever you want. On time in the future.

I hate it when we wait until the end of a flight to do this. Heard ? I was just double-checking the procedures. We start the approach in five minutes. So much the better. THANKS. There are two bombs in the terminal. You have ten minutes to save as many lives as you want.

I’ll call again. At this moment, the fatal chain of events is set in motion and we know nothing about it. After more than 12 hours of flight, we are just impatient to land. You’re in control. Okay, and we have Gando on the frequency. GOOD. Crew, Gando. Arrived in Las Palmas in 45 minutes.

Yes, senior. Gando, Las Palmas, airport. Here, give me the terrain approach procedures. The crew begins to prepare the cabin. It’s a good sign. I know we’re not very far away. Madam. It looks like they have just been welcomed. How pretty they are.

Yes, it was a friend who gave them to me at the airport. You know, I love roses so much that my close friends nicknamed me Rosie. I would love to be offered some. You’re in luck. Hold. I offer it to you. Come on, I insist.

I am in a period of intense work and wanted to take a vacation. I couldn’t wait for this week. Yes OK. For everyone on board, in fact, this trip is synonymous with dreams and pleasure. My husband and I decided to take this vacation to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.

It was the first real big trip we could afford. We had studied for a long time and had never had the means to afford such a stay. Be careful though, fainting is an emergency evacuation. In fact, at that moment, in the plane, we are far from imagining what is happening on the ground.

When the separatists’ bomb exploded, it seriously injured the florist. For the moment, she is still the only victim. For now. Yes I’m listening. This is Security. There’s just been an explosion in the terminal. We fear a second one, so we are going to close the airport. You absolutely must divert

All aircraft that are about to land. Yes, okay, immediately. Lando, this is KLM 4805. Can you see me? We are at level 350. Request authorization for the approach. KLM 4805 Lando, the airport is closed. Divert to the Ostrodéos via the Tenerife VOR. Go down to level 250. I felt it coming.

I’m expected this evening. I have an important dinner and I’m going to miss it. Go down to level 250.250. The Dutch were the first to be confused. For the crew, it is a hard blow because they have to leave again that afternoon for Amsterdam and this unforeseen wait risks calling everything into question.

A few minutes later, we too were diverted to the same airport, Los Rodeos, on the neighboring island of Tenerife. Gando. Pan Am 10 7 3 6. Hello there. We are currently at level 3 7 0 at 120 nautical miles west. Let’s request authorization to begin the approach.

Pan Am 10 7 3 6, Gando. The airport is closed. Divert to Los Rodeos via Tenerife VOR. Go down to level 2 5 0. We stocked up in New York, tell him we can wait. What do you say, George? Can we last two hours? Two hours, yes, of course.

Gando, 1736 request permission to wait above Las Palmas. We have enough fuel to last about two hours. Negative, sir, I repeat, the airport is closed. There’s an explosion in the terminal. There are already many devices in your situation. You are expected at Los Rodeos. Contact the Canary Islands controllers on unit 8.5.

I am so happy. I think they had so much traffic that they didn’t even have time to consider requesting a device for a hold. If they sent us back to Tenerife, it was because they no longer had control of the situation. That’s what I thought.

And that’s how we find ourselves in Los Rodeos, on the neighboring island of Tenerife, a few dozen minutes’ flight from Spalmas. It is a regional airport used to receiving small planes by jumbo jets. The parking lots are not very large and the airport only has one runway.

But it is the only land to protect proximity. We do not have the choice. Like all other planes in flight, we must land at Los Rodeos. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Commander Groups speaking to you. Air traffic control has just asked us

To land in Tenerife, which is a half-hour flight from Las Palmas. Apparently there were problems at Las Palmas airport. We remain in radio contact to see if there are any possibilities to take you back to Las Palmas as soon as we land at Los Rodeos.

I will let you know as soon as I have more information. Thanks for your patience. When they announced that we wouldn’t be able to land in Las Palmas, I felt frustrated because the trip had been long, I was tired, not to mention the time difference. So yes, I felt frustrated

And sad that I couldn’t get off the plane and get on our boat. People were not happy because this news did not bode well. It was a bad omen. And for Los Rodeos controllers, Gando’s closure isn’t good news either. It’s Sunday and staff numbers are reduced.

At the Tower, there are only two of them. Usually that’s enough for the few daily flights, but today they’re going to find themselves with highway-level traffic on a big departure day. We do what we can. We already have three aircraft, not counting the two 747s that are arriving. Let’s see what we have.

Pan Am 747. KLM 747. KLM 4805, you are number 3 behind the 737. Call exterior beacon. 4805, we are number 3 behind 737. Hey, I’ve already seen postage stamps larger than this land. I don’t know how long we’re going to be stuck here. It’s not true. Anyone interested in the landing checklist?

Claus, we’re going to land. It’s up to you to request the landing checklist. Checklist, please. Emergency exit on. Ignition system OK. Fuel circuits OK. Qnh OK. Automatic braking? Average, you never know. Their trail is not big and it may well be quite slippery. Shutter extended. Checklist completed. Thank you. Lima Tango, unit 0-7.

Go down to level 8-0, holding pattern. At Los Rodeos, before our arrival, the planes have landed one after the other and the parking lots are already full. Switched to frequency only on unit 8.7. Sunjet 282, I switch to ground frequency, unit unit 8.7. Holy cow, this had to happen today.

Just the day when there is a great football match between Spain and Hungary. It’s not good. It had to fall on us. How are we going to get all these planes back on the ground? Obviously, controllers are trained to deal with this type of problem. But it is easy to understand

That today, the two unfortunate controllers of Los Rodeos are suddenly confronted with a totally unusual situation. They have never seen so many planes on their land. Pintax, hold position. Sunjet, continue taxiing. Say, where do you plan to put the KLM? Next to the two 737s. There is no choice.

We are waiting for the 747 Pan Am. Yes, and they are two wide-body aircraft. Hey, it’s going to be hard to maneuver them. Maybe we should give the other planes some space. Pan Am 17 36, leave level 230 for unit level 20, recall crossing at unit level 80.

Finally, it is our turn to begin our approach. This is Pan Am 1736, descending towards level 120. Let’s recall level 180 as we pass. Obviously, after such a long journey, 13 hours of flight, everyone is in a hurry to arrive. Say, why are we late? Is there a problem at the airport?

No, it’s just a small technical problem. Everything will quickly return to order. There’s nothing to worry about. No, no, I assure you. I must admit that this plane is not the most comfortable. But I still wasn’t going to take the boat to go on a cruise. No, what I always say

Is that on a plane, there’s no point in worrying. Car accidents far outnumber… But you know that. But the real worry for us is whether this unforeseen detour will jeopardize our cruise. How long will this stopover last? Will the boat wait for us? The organizer of the organized trip intervenes to reassure everyone.

Ladies and gentlemen, our liner, the Golden Odyssey, could pick us up at Los Rodeos if this delay were to continue. So, please forgive us for this delay and let’s be patient. Braking auto-adjusted to medium. We did the landing checklist. Average automatic braking. KLM 4805, clearance to land on runway 3-0.

Test 4805, we will land on runway 3-0. Perfect. What a landing. Very soflty. Our grandmothers must not have noticed anything. Next time, ground the plane faster and without eating up the entire runway. We never know. Heard ? So, I think they want us to parallel the 737. That’s it.

It’s good on my left. You can go. Stop. Brake there. Stop. No, no, no more, no more. Like that. Control tower here KLM 4805. I’m listening to you 4805. Yeah, do you know how long we’re going to wait? Negative 4805. We are waiting for news from Gando.

In this case, I would like to disembark our passengers in the terminal. They would have the opportunity to stretch their legs. How many passengers do you have on board? 273 passengers. I don’t really want to hear them cry and moan. Received, we will send you the shuttle. How nice.

But we’ll only wait a few minutes. Yes that’s it. Or a few hours. Do you want to tell them to stay in the cabin without moving? Seen from the Tower, it’s the big traffic jam. The car parks are already completely saturated and the controllers have to

Park the last arrivals anywhere, at the end of the runway. Miguel, come take a look at this. Hurry up, then. We already have two devices that block straps C1 and C2. The only solution is for them all to line up here. Not all planes will be able to take this turn.

I have an idea about this. We could get the Pan Am 747 through there. What do you want after it takes off? It is not possible. We’re going to take him back all the way. We turn him around and he takes off. Then the others do the same.

We’ll have it all night like that. In this case, quickly make another takeoff runway. The method, it seems, is not trivial, without being particularly risky. As the access routes are completely blocked, the planes have to be brought up high to the end of the single runway so that they

Can turn around and take off into the wind. Obviously, for the Dutch, it’s a disappointment. They thought like us to end the afternoon on the beach. Instead, they will have to wait in the already crowded waiting room of a tiny regional airport. Have we arrived at Los Patatos? Not yet.

First, we will visit an airport, Los Rodeos. Then we’ll go to Las Palmas, okay? Los Pomelos? That’s it. Come on, put your shoes back on. It’s stupid, we’re going to go back to Las Palmas and we’re going to come back here tomorrow. We just have to land here.

Yes, and what do you do with our suitcases? How materialistic is this guy? Just because you want to see Paul doesn’t mean we have to walk around naked. Paul will lend you some underwear if you want. So… You have to understand, I haven’t seen him for a week.

I admit that I would prefer not to have to leave again. Yes, I understand you. That’s it, we’re moving forward. What’s wrong ? How are you ? Yes Yes Yes. Because you don’t seem… It’s strange. So many planes, it’s weird. I have a bad feeling.

I remember his words well because he was right next to me. He looked outside and said, “There’s something wrong.” All this means nothing to me. »We transferred the Dutch by bus in a small group to the Bondé terminal. Between those leaving, those arriving and those in transit, places become expensive.

Pan AM 17-36 in the final for 3-0. Pan Am 17-36 allowed for 3-0. Finally, it’s our turn to land. 17-36, at the end, a track vehicle is waiting to direct you. Do you have it in mind? Affirmative, Tour de Los Rodeos.17-36, you will put yourself behind three devices.

Do you have them in mind? It looks like it’s crowded. 17-36, watch out for your jet blasts. When you turn, there will be a plane next to you. It was a real traffic jam on the ground. There were already so many planes that when we landed, we were asked to go

To the end of the runway and get behind three other planes. That’s all we saw of the airport. And we didn’t know when Las Palmas was going to reopen, so we didn’t stray far from the plane. We are less lucky than the Dutch. This time, the terminal is full. No question of disembarking.

After 14 hours of travel, it’s hard. Ladies and gentlemen, I have just authorized the opening of a door and the installation of a footbridge for all those who wish to stretch their legs. However, given the large number of aircraft present on the slopes,

We will unfortunately not be able to go and freshen up in the terminal. I know you’ve all had a long day, so hopefully we can leave here in no more than 30-60 minutes. Thank you for understanding. In fact, they just allowed us to exit the plane,

Walk down the jetway, and stretch our legs on the tarmac. Everyone was tired from the long journey and couldn’t wait to arrive. They opened the doors for ventilation and so we could look outside. The sky was overcast and cloudy. It was not at all the landscape we expected when coming here.

Like everyone else, I expected to find tropical sun. Well, we are far from that. The sky is foggy with low clouds blocking the horizon. I don’t like this fog. All they would need to do is suspend the flights, that would be the big deal.

Yes, they better get moving because otherwise, we’ll spend the night here and there. Be careful of overruns. Does anyone know how long there is before another crew is forced to replace us? Let’s see. It is written there that the duration authorized by the company is 10

Hours of flight with an amplitude of 13 hours. And that’s when we make a stopover. But if we do two, it goes down to nine with an amplitude of eleven. I didn’t know, it’s funny. But be careful, you have the right to request an exemption. No, but did you hear?

Who wrote this bullshit? Sometimes we wonder if the guys who write this hodgepodge of rules know what our job is. What would happen if we sued our company? It’s simple, you’d be kicked out. You would lose your license, your career. Among others. The Dutch must start to find the time long, too.

Hey, I have an idea. If we stayed in Tenerife, it’s stupid to go back to Las Palmas, especially to come back here tomorrow. Paul is waiting for us, let’s go get a taxi. Calm down, Paul can wait another 24 hours. They planned what they were going to do.

We’ll have dinner there, we’ll have a drink. And I only wanted one thing, to see Paul again. And it is her love for Paul that will save her. I met Robina in December 1976. I fell in love and we have never left each other since. Ok, if you want,

I’ll take care of the luggage and you two can stay here. And I’m going to hold the candle to my best friend and my brother? Stay. You know, Walter and I will be able to have fun without you. Yes. Anyway, you would have bored us talking about Paul all the time.

It’s true ? Awesome. Say, excuse me. Can I help you ? Yes, that’s what I meant. I hope I’m not too annoying, but could I eat something? You see me sorry, there is no more food on board. But just a cup of coffee and a cookie. There is nothing left.

I’m sorry, we’ll have to wait. We spent four long hours without any coffee. Nothing. We had nothing left to serve. The only meal trays we took on board in New York were served before landing. That was all we had to serve. Say. Yes ? Do you think we’ll stay here long?

You must be damn tired. We usually. Look, this might be stupid what I’m going to suggest to you, but would you like to take a look in the cockpit? It will take your mind off things. Yes, okay, with great pleasure. I’m sorry. In turn, the controllers are forced to wait.

All the planes have landed and they don’t have much to do, except maybe listen to the football match and worry. Because like us, they can see the clouds gathering above our heads. In 20 minutes, we’ll be in a fog. Yeah, these clouds are ready to descend on us.

All it takes is a little more wind, a drop in temperature and we will hardly see anything anymore. Things have to move, otherwise they won’t be able to take off. Rodeos, Rodeos, this is Gando. Rodeos, I’m listening to you. Gando, at Tour de Rodeos, we have reopened the airport.

The temperature is 20 degrees. The wind is weak and variable. Rain coming in two to three hours. Gando, we’ll start sending them back to you. Here we have 14 degrees, fog and light rain. They will be happy to see you again. Come on, let’s get on with it. All right. Finally.

All the planes will be able to leave and we will be able to reach our final destination, Las Palmas, where our cruise ship awaits us. I hope. Attention all devices, Gando is open again. You can request take-off clearance at your convenience. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?

Gando airport has just reopened. You will therefore be able to re-embark. As soon as your flight is scheduled, please quickly reach the gate indicated to you. Thank you for your attention. Boarding was very complicated because we had to call passengers from all flights at the same time.

But they were either in the cafeteria or buying souvenirs, so we had to search for them throughout the airport. And as a result, there were passengers who remained in the terminal. OK, agreed. So if we leave here in an hour and take a break in Las Palmas, we’ll still be legal.

Isn’t that beautiful? Wilhem, since we’re trapped here until our passengers return, I suggest we stock up on fuel. No, it’s better to do that in Gando, it’s much cheaper there. Yes, that’s right, we have enough fuel. Yes, we have enough, but everyone is going to want to stock up at Spalmas.

Besides, imagine, if there was another problem in Gando, we would then find ourselves all like rats. Listen, here, I’m the commander and therefore I’m the one who makes the decisions. A decision with serious consequences. On this point, you are right. KLM 4805 gateway, we would like to refuel. I listen.

We will refuel before the passengers return. Apply the necessary safety measures , including information lights and arming the slides located on the rear doors. And what time are we going to take off? My flight attendants are worried about time limits. Tell them what they want to hear.

I have absolutely no interest in that, understand? Noted, Commander. Owl. It was explained to me that to limit take-off weight, airliners generally carry just the quantity of kerosene necessary for the distance to be covered, plus a safety margin. The Dutch commander has filled a quarter of the tanks of his 747.

This represents 55 tonnes of kerosene, more than enough to reach Amsterdam, or to start a giant fire. Passengers on KLM flight 4805 to Las Palmas were asked to report to gate 3. In the terminal, passengers from all flights were called at the same time to reboard. And now a young Dutch couple

Realizes that they have lost sight of their children. You will look for them over there and me on the other side. Meet at door 3 in five minutes. And meanwhile, Robina tries to negotiate with the hostess. I understand your desire to stay here. I’ll have to come back tomorrow,

So I’d prefer to avoid unnecessary trips since I’m already there. It’s value versus company rules, you see. I would love to be nice to you, but I’m afraid you’ll have to take that plane. What if we tried to change the rules for me? I think I would have tried everything.

Have a good travel. THANKS. But definitely, this young woman is not very disciplined and she is going to change the rules. A problem ? Yes, but- Which one? I’m still going to stay here. And what do the consequences matter? I’ll take care of your luggage. Awesome. We’re going to cross the road.

All three of us wear it, otherwise my girlfriend will suspect that I’m wearing it. Let’s go. See you tomorrow. Ciao. They really wanted me to go with them and I tried to persuade them to stay. But they preferred to take the plane again. At that moment, Robina van Lanschot cannot know it,

But of the 248 passengers on the KLM flight, she will be the one and only survivor. This is a true story. This is my story. My name is Warren Hopkins and on March 27, 1977, I was aboard one of two Boeing 747s that would be involved in the greatest

Aviation disaster of all time. Among the 644 passengers and crew members on board the two planes, only a few dozen of us escaped. Pan Am 1736, recall clear runway. Okay, sure, let’s call back clear runway. Thank you 1736. Did it clear? What’s the matter ? Did he clear Pan Am? But yes.

Ride God. Lesson. Damn, he’s forcing us. The idiots. Take off. But let’s go back an hour. For the moment, the authorization to take off again has just arrived and we will finally be able to leave for our final destination. Well, that’s what we think. Destiny will decide otherwise.

Fourteen degrees, it keeps going down. If you ask me, all that doesn’t mean anything to me. Visibility will become almost zero. Weather ? Hi guys, it’s Fernando. Tell me, what are we going to see? Also ask them who is going to win the match while you’re at it.

Stop, it might be useful to us. Yes, it is noted. If there are any changes, let us know, okay? We’re going to let the planes take off. It’s reassuring to see the first planes take off. We tell ourselves that our departure is only a matter of minutes. Los Rodeos control tower.

Pan Am 17 36. Request takeoff clearance. Las Palmas weather and driving instructions. 17 36, you’ll have to wait a bit. The KLM in front of you is refueling. Wait, leave, I’ll go around him. Behind, they will massacre us if we don’t take off right away. Ostrodeos Tower.

We will try to pass by avoiding it. Our captain is trying to overtake the Dutch 747 which is blocking our way. He started the engines and we moved forward a few meters. But a 747 is 60 meters wide and it doesn’t handle like a bicycle.

There’s not enough, I’m not going to be able to. George, how about we go get some fresh air outside and take a look? All right. The flight engineer officer and I descended under the right wing of our aircraft. Four meters were missing to be able to

Easily maneuver and get around the KLM 747. You realize ? Only four meters are missing. Within four short meters, it passed. Did you see that one when we arrived? Do you mean the volcano? Yeah, it’s impressive. This is Monte Idé. According to legend, it is the abode of the devil. 3,700 meters.

It is the highest in Spain. Well, or so it seems. There must not often be sunshine there. Yeah, warm, humid air crosses the Atlantic and arrives here. It cools and then, bingo, it turns into pureed peas. And the tourists start to cry. KLM 4805, this is Pan Am 10736. This is van Zanten.

We’re stuck behind you guys. Do you have any idea how long it will still take? 35 minutes, KLM finished. He hung up. He’s nice, that one. He stops us from passing and he dares to hang up. No I swear. Among the Dutch, things are not getting better either.

I just told you again, we are missing four. This is the family located in row 33. Very well, I will leave you to take out the commander. I’ll take care of our passengers. That’s very nice. It’s nothing. Roberto, please find them. I beg you, as quickly as possible. All right.

Commanding officer. What’s up ? What else is there? We’re missing four passengers. GOOD. Please note that we have 273 passengers who may well spend the night on the plane if we do not take off immediately. So, unless you want to get stuck, which would surprise me, I advise you to go

To the terminal immediately and bring back these four passengers. Heard ? Obviously, we don’t know anything about all that. We left our homes 18 or 20 hours before, the night spent on the plane, the jet lag. Everyone is tired and we understand less and less why we still have to

Wait while other planes take off. Despite the facilitator’s efforts, this organized trip definitely starts very badly. Leave it, I’m going to recover. Ladies and gentlemen, this journey is long and tiring, but believe me, when you are aboard the Golden Odyssey, you will be pampered day and night.

Your room will be equipped with a telephone which will allow you to benefit from room service 24 hours a day. The air conditioning will give you the temperature you want and the large soft beds will quickly relieve you of your aches. And we wait patiently, even if some have their minds elsewhere.

Miss, I see the other planes are taking off. Could you tell me what’s going on? After all, we were here long before these other devices. We’ll take off in a few minutes. And our pilots also have nothing to do but wait. Would I like to be in Paris right now?

I think you’re not the only one, you know. We’ll be okay one day. Yeah, we’ll get there. We don’t know, but in fact we are forced to wait for coordinator Roberto to find the last missing passengers on the Dutch side. We’ve been looking for you everywhere, come, hurry.

They are just waiting for you to take off. Come quickly, my darling. Come on, come on. Let’s hurry, otherwise they will leave without us. And he found them. The unfortunate man in total innocence sends them all to death. Thank you so much. It was nothing.

I went looking for them and I will never forgive myself for that. If I hadn’t found them, they would still be alive today. Sorry again? Go for it. KLM 4805, ready for launch. Los Rodeos Tour. KLM 4805, ready for launch. 4805, authorized start-up.

Checklist before starting, aircraft isolated, chock in place, door closed and checked. Ready to start in sequence. One two three four. Welcome, 4805. Start sequence one. The Dutch are therefore starting their four reactors one by one. They prepare to go up the runway to the other end to take off.

In fact, it would be so simple in good weather. Whereas there, with each minute that passes, the situation becomes a little more dangerous. That’s it, we’re in the fog. We soon have nothing more to see. Visibility dropped from 10 to 3 km in 20 minutes.

But we have wind, that should blow it away. Yes, but look, you’re dreaming if you think the weather is going to improve. Tour de Los Rodeos, here 4805. Let’s request permission to go up the runway to be able to take off on the 30. 4805 authorized to enter and go up the runway.

Well received, we head back up the trail. 4805 enters the 12. That’s it, the Dutch enter the track. We are preparing to do the same and follow them a few hundred meters away, in an increasingly dense fog. Tour de Les Rodeos, here Pan Am. 1736, ready to set off.

Pan Am 17-36, you are authorized to get underway. Thank you so much. Please fasten your seat belts, close the shelf in front of you and slide your carry-on baggage under the chair in front of you. The fog rolled in incredibly quickly. Yes, we don’t see anything there.

George asks for time to unplug their fog machines. Yes that’s it. Basically, our instructions were to follow the KLM and go up the track. “Go back” means that we had to taxi on the runway following the KLM in the opposite direction of takeoff.

And the 335 tons of our plane take their turn on this accursed runway which we begin to climb back up at walking pace. Los Rodeos Airport is in a bowl. When a sheet of mist forms in the heights like that day, it descends the slopes of the hill and stops on the track.

Our visibility therefore went from perfect to less than 500 meters. We lost sight of the KLM. We are going to have two planes on the runway. They just have to stay at a safe distance. Even with this fog, they can see each other. Yes, that’s to be hoped, Miguel.

Control of Pan Am 1736, ready to enter the runway. 1736, go ahead, drive on runway 12. 1736, we turn onto runway 12. We lost sight of the Dutchman who is going up the runway. Hidden in the fog, it is there, somewhere in front of us, 700, 800 meters away.

We can barely see the track. And what’s more, we only go 25 km/h. Driving checklist. It’s a real nightmare. It’ll take us an hour at this speed. There is no way I will spend just one night in Las Palmas. That, they will hear me. Driving checklist. Yes go on.

Thrust dial, turn indicator, safety compass. Cap compared and verified. Ok, our weight is 200 tons with 55 tons of kerosene. The parameters have been viewed and verified by myself. Completed driving checklist. Pan Am 17 36 authorized to go up the runway behind the KLM. Pan Am 17 36, we follow the KLM.

From now on, we are all on the same track. The Dutch are in front, we are behind. Our pilots are a little nervous, especially since they are driving without visibility and will have to leave the runway at some point to let the KLM take off. Los Rodeos Tour.

This is Pan Am 17 36. Pan Am 17 36, I’m listening to you. You did say to go back up the track behind the KLM. That’s right ? Affirmative. Go back up the track and leave it at the third exit on the left. Third from the left, okay. What did he say ?

The third. Third on the left. I understood the first one. Leave the track at the third exit on the left. It’s the third one on the left. Look a little from the edge, you have the impression of being in a cloud. We are in the process of passing below the minimum visibility.

In a 747, we are more than 10 meters above the ground. These machines are designed to fly in the sky, not to ride in fog. And here our pilots are like common motorists lost on a deserted road. Wouldn’t that be the one? All we have are the marks on the ground.

In the central scan, we must have at least 800 meters of visibility. When visibility is so low, we have on the back of our approach sheets, information concerning the runway and the minimum visibility required for takeoff. We turned over our cards and read “minimum visibility required 700 meters”

So as the tower had only given us 500 meters, we could not take off. I’m not telling you, my feet are sore. Besides, I have the impression that with this weather, we haven’t left yet. KLM 4805, are you at the end of the runway? We just passed Charly 4 two seconds ago.

Ok, arrive at the threshold of the runway, do a 180 degree and let me know as soon as you are OK. Received, control tower. Tell me, is central marking available for 4805? Wait a minute, I’ll check. I’ll check right away. Meanwhile, we continue to go up the trail, slowly.

But our pilots now have additional doubts about the exit ramp indicated by the controller. Is this the first or the third? The first was a 90 degree exit. Yes OK. The second exit is at 45 degrees. So it must be the third, but I’m still going to ask for confirmation.

Los Rodeos Tower, could you please confirm that you would like the Pan Am 1736 sign to turn left at exit number 3? The third exit. One two Three. Third, third exit. One, two and three. Perfect, we’re almost there. Exit 3. Uno, dos, tres. Let’s go. So, this is the third release.

We still have to find it. 1736, call back, runway clear. Pan Am, 17-36. We couldn’t see the exit ramps. We could barely see the center line of the track we were riding on. We just knew that the ramp

We had to take was on the left and that it was at a 45 degree angle. One kilometer ahead of us, the Dutch 747 arrives at the end of the runway. KLM 4805, Pan Am 1736, for information, the central lighting is currently out of service. 4805, well noted. I’m really not surprised.

Anyway, what would it change? We would need stadium lighting to be able to see through this fog. In the tower, for the two controllers too, the situation is stressful. For several minutes, they have not seen anyone, neither the Dutch 747, nor our plane.

And since they don’t have ground radar, they are directing us blindly. I don’t see them anymore. I no longer have eye contact with them. We need ground radar. How do you want to get planes off the ground in weather like this? Obviously you need radar.

It’s going to be fine, they’re far enough away from each other. Pan Am 17-36, what level are you at? 17-36, a small second, which we check. Hey, look, this one is 45 degrees. Yes. So that means we’re here. Yes surely. Okay. The next one, it looks like it’s 45 degrees. Yes.

Okay, but now what do we do? Should I turn next? Yes, that should be the right route. Alright. Are you sure ? Except that perhaps he counts this one in the three. How clear it is. For his part, the Dutch commander is increasingly nervous. He is afraid of being grounded

And spending the night with his plane and its passengers at Los Rodeos. That’s not true, damn the weather. Klaas, give me our takeoff speeds. GOOD. So, V1 is at 120 knots and VR is at 135 knots. I am preparing frequencies 139 and 138.7. Headlights on? Affirmative, as well as flashing lights.

Obviously, the passengers in the back have no idea what is inexorably taking place. That’s it, like that. If you’re good, in an hour we’re on vacation, okay? Okay, but will it be a long vacation? Like last year. The only clue that could alert them is visibility, reduced to a few dozen meters.

But in Holland, this is nothing exceptional. Yes, we are in the middle of pea puree. Puree ? Am I allowed to eat it with a steak? Don’t talk nonsense and stay well behaved. Here, do you want some chewing gum? Yes, thank you, that’s nice.

I wonder if Robina is going to have a good evening. I don’t worry about that at all. I’m sure she’s going to have a wonderful evening. Oh yes ? Yes, she’s going to be with your brother, Paul, said the handsome guy. Yes, you’re right. 5:04 p.m.

The Dutch arrive at the end of the track and begin their U-turn. Wait, how many took off? I feel like we’ve been driving for an hour. We don’t see anything at all. Do you think visibility is better up front? Surely yes. Cool. In any case, we must hope so. From now on,

Our two planes are face to face less than a kilometer apart without seeing each other. Ok. We are at the runway threshold. We are perfectly aligned and we can see the runway centerline perfectly well. Ready for takeoff, all parameters are in green. Visibility unfortunately remains poor. Put on the windshield wipers.

I turn on the lights. I said put the windshield wipers on. Sorry. Windscreen wipers. Ok, we have visibility of 700 meters now. Wait a minute, we don’t have road permits. So, ask for it. KLM 4805, we are ready for takeoff. Let’s wait for road authorization. Route clearance is instructions given

To pilots to tell them how to get to the destination airport. This is not clearance to take off. We can give you route clearance 15 to 20 minutes before takeoff. Klm 4805, you are authorized for the papa beacon at level 90. After takeoff, turn right to heading

040 until intercepting the 3-2-5 radial of the Las Palmas VOR. Well received, control tower. KLM ready for takeoff. Okay. Come on, let’s go. No, wait for takeoff clearance. We’re still on the runway, Pan Am 1736. Pan Am 1736, call back runway clear. Ok, we call back clear runway. Thank you 1736.

He asked us if we had gone off track. I answered negative. We are still on the trail, but we will call you back when the trail is clear. That’s the last thing I said on the radio. Do you want my opinion ? Let’s get out of there quickly.

You’re a nervous guy, that Dutchman. Looks like he’s in quite a hurry. We were driving at five kilometers per hour. I never would have thought that the KLM was about to take off. Did he clear it? What’s the matter ? Did he really clear Pan Am? Yes of course. Games are made.

Every second, the KLM gains a little more speed. At the same time, we arrive in front of the exit ramp. For God Sake ! Too slowly. Oh the idiot, shit, he’s coming at us! The idiots. Take off. Take off, take off, take off. Cleared. Come on, four wheels towing.

When I saw him coming, I closed my eyes and dove. At the time of the collision, I did not understand the seriousness of the accident, because the plane was only shaken and went blank. There was a real explosion, as if every molecule in the atmosphere had exploded. That’s how I imagined things later.

It was deafening. At the time, I thought a bomb had exploded on the plane. It was brutal and violent. The lights went out, everything caught fire. I put my hands to my face and said, “Lord, my time has come. » I opened my eyes and saw that the device was on fire.

The windows of the cockpit hull had exploded. Our right wing was on fire. There were 28 people on the upper level and the upper lounge had simply disappeared, leaving a gaping hole. Turning around, I could see the tail of the plane.

It’s as if a giant had cut the top of the fuselage and removed it. People stayed in their seats, they didn’t move. I do not know why. Normally you’re supposed to wait for orders, but this was clear. In this situation, there was no longer any order to wait for.

There was fire and I shouted to Suzanne, “The wing is on fire. » She ran to my post. Suzanne was there, ready to open the door, but it was completely crumpled like aluminum foil. I said to myself, “We’re trapped.” Looking at the door, I screamed. “Take off your seat belts, your shoes.

Take nothing and follow me. » At this moment, a hole formed above the door. Then we found ourselves outside. Don’t ask me how, I don’t know. Johanne was there, she was shouting at me. “Suzanne, take my hand. » I was there, above the door, on the shredded fuselage.

I leaned over and said to Suzanne, give me your hand. » She took me out with one hand. I still don’t know how she did it. As we were hoisted onto the top of the plane, I said to myself, we’re pretty damn far from the ground. If we jump, we’ll break our legs.

The fuselage of the aircraft reminded me of the ice floe. Large pieces were falling off. We didn’t know where to set foot. The engines were beginning to disintegrate. We could hear them exploding and throwing pieces of metal around. I think I let go of Johanne’s hand very quickly.

Then I jumped from a height of about two stories. The captain jumped into what had been the first class of the plane. When he hit the ground, it gave way under his weight and the commander found himself in the baggage hold. The heat was such that the

Oxygen cylinders exploded and burned him very badly. It was my survival instinct that woke me up and said, “Get out of this plane. » I was just trying to understand what had happened. I rushed to the exit and then, suddenly, I said to myself “But what am I doing?

And my wife, where is she? »I turned around, she was there, behind me. I told him “I’ll jump first and I’ll break your fall.” » I unbuckled the seat belt of my husband who was sitting next to me. I pushed him to get up and we went to the nearest exit.

There were too many flames on this side. Then I looked up and saw that someone had opened another exit. I shouted to my husband, “Let’s go!” “and we headed that way, on the left wing. The Andersons were a few rows behind us, but they had no luck. She never saw her husband again.

It was an apocalyptic vision. I didn’t imagine for a single second that I could get out of it. But I said to myself, “Get out of there, do something, don’t sit still.” » I started to climb on the chairs and I’m not an athlete, but I climbed over three rows of chairs.

A man looked at me as if he was saying, “Help me. »but I couldn’t do anything for him. After the collision, communications with the control tower were cut. She was no longer able to receive responses from KLM or from us. It was an aircraft that was on standby above

The airport, which called the tower and said, “I see smoke and debris on your runway. »los Rodeos tour, I’m in back sale for the 3 0. What’s going on? What is incredible is that until that moment, the controllers had not noticed anything. Shit ! What happened ? Answer, answer! Answer, answer!

The controller activated the alarm system. After hitting us, the KLM stopped 500 meters further on, near the tower. So when help arrived, they took care of them first. We didn’t see anyone for a while. I was wondering, why isn’t anyone coming to help us? The KLM passengers, piloted by Commander Van Zanten,

Were probably all alive after their plane hit the Pan Am. It was when it crashed to the ground that the fire broke out and killed all the passengers. . Still because of the fog, emergency services took more than ten minutes to arrive on site.

First, they found the burning remains of the Dutch 747. They did what they could, but given their completely outdated equipment and the scale of the fire, they were powerless. Their fight was useless when there was a second plane in the fog, ours, 400 meters away, with survivors.

We waited more than 20 minutes before seeing them arrive. We could never have imagined that a few hundred meters away, there was another plane on fire with people still alive on board. I kept saying, don’t worry, the ambulances will arrive soon, we will be helped. It seems obvious to me that someone had

Seen what had happened and that help was going to be sent to us. We cannot say that it was a proper evacuation. People got out as best they could when they were lucky enough to find a hole in the fuselage. When we arrived at the scene of the accident,

We saw a plane split in two, the commander bleeding on the ground looking at the plane, people coming out screaming, people running, looking for people around them , not knowing if they were still on the plane or if they had gotten out and not knowing what happened. The situation was truly chaotic.

In fact, there are only about sixty of us who have managed to escape this hell. Most of us escaped through the left wing which was miraculously intact. There were plenty of passengers on the left wing of our plane. I would say that there must have been 45

To 50 survivors waiting for someone to come and help them. I never asked how high the top of a 747 wing was to the ground, but I assure you it was very high. I split my skull and fractured my foot. When my wife jumped out and told me she couldn’t walk,

I still managed to drag her several meters away from the plane. The engines continued to run and I didn’t really want to go near them. So I stayed on the fuselage of the plane. I didn’t imagine that I was going to have to jump from the wing. Underneath the debris,

You know there are trapped passengers, but there is absolutely nothing you can do to help them, as the plane is collapsing on top of them. Only one crew member managed to open a door. She was a hostess. An engine exploded and threw debris which hit her. She lost her life there that day.

I was convinced that when we went to the other side of the plane, we would find the rest of the passengers and crew members. But obviously, that wasn’t the case. And meanwhile, in the control tower, they still had not understood the extent of the disaster. Twenty minutes after the crash. Devices taking off.

All departures are currently suspended. Hello ? My God. My God. We need all your vehicles. Once on the ground, I heard people shouting and screaming. But five minutes later, there was no more sound, total silence, except for the roar of the flames devouring the device. Later I asked a doctor what that meant.

He replied that with such a fire and such heat, the oxygen is completely consumed and people in the surrounding area are fed up with it. I felt responsible because I was unable to take care of my passengers. I also felt useless

When I looked at the plane and realized there was nothing more we could do. That the fire prevented us from returning there. Trucks and private cars came to park on the lawn and gather the survivors. Three-quarters of the surviving passengers were taken to hospital by taxi.

I assure you I will always remember the ride to the hospital. The skin on my hands was hanging off. I was completely burned, but my eyes were okay. I had blood everywhere, but I went to someone and said, “I’m a doctor, can I help?” » The man gave me a strange look.

He smiled warmly and shook his head at me. Then I fell into a coma. Obviously, in the hours that followed, all the international press arrived at Los Rodeos and the first images went around the world. The shock of these two monsters full of kerosene, 200 tons of oil

Which will explode and which will transform these two devices into real infernos. It’s a disaster numbering in the hundreds. 562 dead and 72 injured. One of the hangars was used as a morgue. It was huge. In approximately, 600 bodies were installed there, even more, I believe. The final toll rose to 583 victims.

It was the greatest disaster in the history of aviation. It’s not. At home, in the United States as in Holland, the shock was immense. And then everyone started trying to understand. I was the first to want to know how and why two such modern planes could have collided.

Three countries were involved in the investigation. Spain, because it was its territory, Holland, because the other plane came from Amsterdam and the United States, because we were Americans. A hell of a job for these investigators who now had to try to explain

The unimaginable, the unthinkable, the collision of two deserted giants on the same track. There are theories about air accidents. A researcher, a certain James Reason, imagined a typical diagram around thirty years ago. According to him, the origins of an accident are always multiple. The causes are added to each other,

A bit like layers, each comprising a failure, a hole through which the accident can slip. When all the holes are aligned, the accident then becomes inevitable. It’s often just that, a bunch of little things that add up, and that’s it. These are plates that cross one after the other.

The first cause had nothing to do with aeronautics. It was a bomb attack, perpetrated by a small independence group. They wanted to exert political pressure, to sow disorder by obtaining the closure of the international airport for a few hours. At no time did they imagine the consequences of their action. Then

We and the others were diverted to a small regional field, Los Rodeos. A single-runway airport and not equipped to handle significant traffic, much less Boeing 747s. And then, it was a Sunday and there were only two controllers at the tower. They were competent, but not really used to handling that many planes.

Third cause, diversion, expectations, setbacks, weather, commercial pressure. All of this created real stress for both passengers and pilots. With an aggravating factor, the Dutch commander had to bring his plane back to Amsterdam the same day and he knew that too long a delay would ground him

For the night and force him to wait until the next morning. The KLM crew was at the limit of their quota of working hours. If they had had to wait a little longer, they would have been forced to stay at Los Rodeos and accommodate their passengers in nearby hotels. Fourth cause.

The Dutchman was in a real hurry. To save a few precious minutes at the next stopover, he asked to refuel at Los Rodeos. He required 55,000 liters of kerosene, which made the aircraft heavier. The report shows that it wasn’t the nose

Of the KLM 747 that hit the Pan Am, it was the main landing gear. I would say that to avoid the Paname, the KLM would have had to be at a height of 20, 25 meters. If Jacob van Zanten hadn’t asked for kerosene, they could have taken off half an hour earlier.

And half an hour earlier, the weather was very different. This is the fifth cause. The Los Rodeos track is 600 meters above sea level. It is framed by two mountain ranges. The valley where it is located is a natural channel for winds and clouds coming from the sea. Here, visibility can reduce

Dramatically in the space of a few minutes. The clouds remain at a very low level and the fog remains on the ground. Around 5-6 p.m., the temperature begins to drop. Dew level and fog form. The fog covered everything. Neither plane had visual contact with the other.

Sixth cause, the terrain was not equipped with a ground radar. And controllers had no way of verifying the planes’ position. They had to make do with the information provided by the pilots. We need ground radar. How do you want to get planes off the ground in weather like this? Obviously you need radar.

If there had been a ground radar at Tenerife, most likely, the controller would have noticed the start of the takeoff of the KLM which was lined up. At that point, he would have intervened. He would have seen the take-off but there he did not perceive it. The seventh cause of the disaster

Was a language problem. In aeronautics, the international language is English, but the Spanish spoke with a strong accent and our pilots had some difficulty understanding them. Can you confirm, please? Do you want Pan Am 1736 to turn left at the third ramp? One, two, three, third strap.

In this story, the weak link is the radio communication between the control tower and the two crews. There were problems of understanding between the pilots and the tower, but this is not what led to the accident. The Pan Am had been instructed to exit at the third ramp,

While only the fourth had an angle of 45 degrees. It was this ramp that was the most practical to take for a 747 wishing to go back up the runway. The eighth cause is an overlap in radio messages. At the critical moment,

Everyone started talking at the same time and no one heard anything. As a result, the crucial information to “ wait before taking off” never reached the antenna sales commander. We are ready for takeoff. Ok, let’s go. No ! Wait for takeoff clearance. We’re still getting back on track. Pan Am 17 36.

Here are very accurately reconstructed the last radio messages between the tower and the two planes. Wait for takeoff clearance. We’re still getting back on track. Pan Am 17 36. Two simultaneous broadcasts make for a kind of clown. It’s completely inaudible. Often it is completely inaudible. And now here is the original sound

Of these last radio messages recorded by the black boxes. We were 28 seconds from the collision. The KLM pilot did not hear the controller’s instruction to maintain position and wait to take off. And the KLM pilot also did not hear the Pan Am pilot who said “We are still on the runway.

»these two messages are mutually destroyed and he leaves. Jacob Van Vanten didn’t hear ” Wait until I call you back for takeoff.” The ninth cause, and perhaps the most important, is due to the psychology of the crews. At that time, the hierarchy was very

Strict and often, the commander was the only master on board, after God. Are you now looking at the approach procedures for Gando? Yes. I hate it when we wait until the end of a flight to do this. OK ? Heard. This is well seen. Dutch investigators confirmed this.

The co-pilot and the engineer officer, despite their doubts, had almost no influence on the commander in the sale of antennas. A flight engineer officer does not have to obey the commander. When a flight engineer officer thinks it is necessary to stop a flight, for whatever reason, he or she can do so.

In aviation, particularly in Europe, the commander is always right, he is infallible. He cleared. What’s wrong with him? Did he clear the Pan Am? Yes of course. While investigating the KLM commander, I came across his service records. He was a highly skilled pilot with several thousand flight hours and an excellent reputation.

We spoke to his daughter. She told us that her father had a strong character, that his opinions were very strong, but that he was in no way a dictator. Ultimately, nine different causes were clearly identified, but none of them alone could explain the Tenerife disaster.

According to the investigation report, the main cause remains the decision of the Dutch commander to take off without having received authorization. Jacob Van Zanten was nevertheless competent. He had no suicidal tendencies. When he hit the gas, he was therefore certain that he had received this authorization.

He was certain that the trail ahead of him was clear. What ultimately led him astray? We will never know since he took the answer to this question with him in death. Since this disaster, measures have been taken to improve safety. We have increased the number of ground radars in the control towers.

The vocabulary used by pilots and controllers has been clarified and the hierarchical relationships in the cockpits have been completely revised. All this comforts me, even if zero risk does not exist and error remains terribly human. What I learned from the accident in Tenerife is that no matter how qualified,

Experienced or professional people are, as long as there is the human factor, an accident can always happen. For us, the survivors, the images of March 27, 1977 are forever engraved in our memories. We just learned to live with it. Every time I have friends who are going

On a trip, I tell them, “Look at where the emergency exits are and read the plane’s evacuation instructions carefully. These are important details. I’ve never had a nightmare. I only dreamed that I was in an airport, behind a bay window and watching a plane take off knowing it was going to crash.

I wanted to scream, but this large bay prevented me. I felt useless like the day of the tragedy. It was my responsibility to look after my passengers, but I was unable to do so. We couldn’t save them. The loss of my husband turned my life upside down,

But also that of my son and all my family, near and far. It was terrible. This is where we discover that life is very strange. I decided to stay, my friends left. And maybe if the plane had taken off a minute later, none of this would have happened.

I realized that death could take us away at any moment and that we had to enjoy life day after day as much as we could. After the crash, I decided to start a family. I decided it was time to stay home and have children. I said to myself, “My friends are dead.

If I spend my days lying in bed curled up, I will slowly die and I have no right to do that. It is by having a good life and being courageous that I will honor the victims. I’m lucky because I don’t have any trauma from the accident. At first, I was ashamed.

I kept telling myself that I should have died that day. I felt bad. I was alive. Paul had lost his sister and we were together constantly. But that’s what strengthened our relationship. Without it, we wouldn’t be married. Flying again after the crash wasn’t easy, but I knew that if I did it with

Johanne, she would save my life again. With my wife Caroline, we returned to Tenerife. A taxi took us to the airport and we saw the runway again. There, everything came back to me at once. Then we went to take the Golden Odyssey. We were finally able to finish our cruise two years later.

For us, it was a way of coming full circle.