Capt. Stuart Smith and Capt. Ian Augustine

2022 SUPERIOR AIRMANSHIP AWARD

   

Capt. Stuart Smith (photo left) and Capt. Ian Augustine (photo right) are recipients of the 2022 ALPA Superior Airmanship Award in recognition of their professionalism and resolve in handling a bird-strike event while operating Delta Air Lines Flight 2295. On November 19, 2022, Capt. Smith and then F/O Augustine were enroute from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Omaha, Nebraska.

During a nighttime descent to Eppley Field (OMA), the crew experienced a loud explosion and rapid decompression at 13,000 ft. The flight deck door blew open, and the temperature on the flight deck plummeted. Smith quickly assessed the situation, assigned duties, and declared an emergency while Augustine flew the aircraft. Upon landing, the crew was met by aircraft rescue and firefighting, who relayed evidence of multiple bird strikes near and around the flight deck, all of which penetrated the aircraft skin. The crew also noted that the flight deck dome light was broken and there was a basketball-sized hole in the ceiling panel above Augustine’s head.

ALPA recognizes Capt. Smith and Capt. Augustine for their superior airmanship. Through extreme noise, a wide array of distractions, and communication challenges, the crew executed textbook threat and error management to ensure the safety of all on board.

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