Life jacket only possession

Press, 27 February 1989, Page 11

Life jacket only possession

PA Auckland A yellow inflatable lifejacket from the United Airlines Boeing 747 flight is all that a Hastings couple, John and Kathy Peryer, have from their holiday to the United States Like most other passengers their luggage is being held in Hawaii while United States Federal Bureau of Investigation staff carefully check it for evidence that could help explain the cause of the huge hole in Flight 811’s fuselage. The couple, sitting near the back of the aircraft, did not forget to bring back a lifejacket as a souvenir — an item many passengers became closely attached to during the dramatic minutes over the Pacific. The Peryers’ account of the accident was similar to many other survivors who still find it hard to believe what had happened: “The take-off was great, the flight was very smooth, we were only 10

to 15 minutes into the flight and then, where we were sitting, there was just a small ‘pop’ and then just a great gust of wind came straight down the cabin and it filled up with smoke. “The next minute we were going down. Obviously the captain lost altitude as quickly as he could. “Some people suffered quite bad ear damage in the rapid descent and so they were advised not to fly for two or three days.” Getting back in the replacement plane was not a good experience. “But it’s a bit like riding a bike. If you fall off you’ve got to get back on. “On the whole last night no one knew anyone; today we virtually know each other.” The two will rest in Auckland for a few days with Mrs Peryer’s parents. Asked if they would fly again, the both laughed and Mr Peryer said: “Not for awhile. Not this week anyway.”