Flight Safety Foundation
Heroism Award

presented to

Capt. Sean Loutitt
First Officer Mark Cary
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Norman Wong
Kenn Borek Air

For conducting the medical evacuation of a physician who suffered a life-threatening illness while serving at the Amundsen-Scott Research Station at the South Pole. The mission was the first time that such a flight was accomplished in Antarctic winter conditions. The research station requested the evacuation of Dr. Ronald Shemenski in April 2001 for treatment of pancreatitis during conditions of 24-hour winter darkness with temperatures averaging -60 degrees Fahrenheit to -85 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 degrees Celsius to -65 degrees Celsius) and strong surface winds.

Two de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft were equipped for polar navigation, long-range operation in cold weather and operation with wheel skis. To prepare for the medical evacuation flight, the crews repositioned their aircraft during five consecutive days of long flights from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and then to the British Antarctic Survey base at Rothera.

The mission of Capt. Sean Loutitt, First Officer Mark Cary and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Norman Wong was to transport a replacement physician, Dr. Betty Carlisle, and to evacuate Dr. Shemenski. The mission of the second aircraft crew was to stand by at Rothera for search-and-rescue response if required.

After reconfiguring their aircraft and waiting several days for suitable weather at Rothera and at the South Pole, the rescue flight crew flew 9.3 hours at 10,000 feet and at an average speed of 145 knots to the South Pole. On arrival the weather was clear with a temperature of -68 degrees Celsius (-90 degrees Fahrenheit). Research station staff had marked the skiway with burning wood in fuel drums. One indication to the pilots of the extreme cold was that their bleed air cabin heat stopped when power was reduced at touchdown. After 10.5 hours of crew duty rest, heaters were used to warm the aircraft and engines for flight, and the crew conducted a takeoff in difficult snow conditions.

The courageous action by Capt. Sean Loutitt, Mark Cary and Norman Wong, taken with complete disregard for their own personal safety, reflects the highest traditions of the aviation community. Flight Safety Foundation and the award’s sponsor, Kidde Aerospace and Defense, are proud to recognize them with the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism Award.

FSF 54th annual International Air Safety Seminar
Athens, Greece
November 7, 2001

Stuart Matthews
President and CEO
Flight Safety Foundation

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