Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Makes National News

Yesterday was exciting for the Eastern Flight 401 Tribute Group. With a huge thank you to Luisa Yanez of the Miami Herald, the word about our gathering to mark the 37th Anniversary of the crash yesterday went from a simple plan to get together and share with locals and to spend time together finishing the day with a nice dinner with our family and friends turned into a wonderful surprise as suddenly we found ourselves in the spotlight with both national attention from the NBC Today Show to many local news outlets including stories in the Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel and on several TV stations including the local Fox Station WSVN and the NBC affiliate here, NBC Miami. Below are links to the stories and videos of our day yesterday.

TV/Videos
Today Show: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891#34629551
NBC Miami: http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Plane-Crash-Survivors-Reunite-80288617.html
WSVN Fox: http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/MI139861/

Newspaper Articles
Miami Herald: http://pd.miami.com/sp?aff=1100&keywords=flight+401&submit.x=0&submit.y=0
Sun Sentinel: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-flight-401-anniversary-122909,0,533536.story

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group on NBC's Today Show

Wow, what a day today has been! A call came into our group this morning at PI Bagels in Ft Lauderdale from NBC News, they wanted to know if they could send a group up to meet and interview us for the Today Show! It came as a wonderful surprise to us and we had a wonderful time speaking with them this morning.

So, all of you who would like to see us on TV, we will be on the Today Show on Tuesday, Dec 30, 2009 sometime between 7AM and 9AM. We hope you'll all tune in and watch! Thanks to all of you who have come out today so far to see us and we look forward to seeing more of you this evening at the 94th AeroSquadron here in Miami as we continue remembering that fateful day, 37 years ago.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Gathers for the 37th Anniversary for the Crash

Today, December 29th, 2009 is the 37th Anniversary of the crash of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 into the Florida Everglades. After reuniting in 2007 at the 35th Anniversary at the crash site, the a group of the survivors have been working together to put together the Tribute that never was. Today is also our 2nd Anniversary of being back together and working toward this goal.

To celebrate our being reunited in this common goal and in rememberance of the lives that were lost or forever changed on that cold and dark December night, we are spending today together to speak about our experiences and show pictures and newspaper articles about that ill-fated night.
This morning we are at PI Bagels on Pine Island in Fort Lauderdale, owned by a former Eastern employee and just filled with old Eastern memorabilia. We are here from 8AM until 1PM.
Tonight we are gathering in Miami at the 94th AeroSquadron restaurant on the south side of Miami International Airport at 8PM for dinner and invite the public to come by and speak with us and let us tell you about how the crash of Flight 401 has made air travel safer.

We are working to putting together a Tribute to the crash and to that end we are selling merchandise including prints, hats and bags and as always, any other donations are most gladly accepted. Please come and let us share our experiences with you as we remember on this anniversary, 37 years later.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Sole Mode Of Transportation Within The Everglades "AIRBOATS"

Traveling the 9.2 mile distance from the Tamiami Trail launch site is "Airboat One" piloted by Doyle Kennon from Cooper Town which onboard were the survivors Ron Infantino, Beverly Raposa and Patty McGigg. Also onboard was the group photographer Catherine Smallwood who successfully recorded the day

Traveling on the left flank and riding passenger is Bruce Brockhouse with Tom a member from the Airboat Association of Florida who also lent his time and boat to assist the group in getting everyone out there

A great level thanks goes out to Doyle Kennon and the whole of Cooper Town for the use of their "Boat" which carried the Tribute group survivors back to the site

Shown is the launch site off Tamiami Trail were all the "Boats" were launched from. Should be noted that the size of the launch site only allow the launching of one boat at a time
Located on the South side of Tamiami Trail, the day started out on the grounds of the Airboat Association of Florida club and camp grounds as the "Boats" were hauled to the launch site which is situated on the North side of the Trail thus allowing a clear running to the crash site



The "Boats" ranged in sizes, horsepower and paint scheme, but all indispensable to getting the group out to the site and the sole mode of transportation within the Everglades

Miami, Florida 12th September 2009: Once again the survivors of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 found themselves preparing and heading back out to the very same spot that they were in on the night of 29th December 1972 crash of Flight 401, 37 years ago, as they the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group prepare to survey the area for the collection of historical information.

And the only and sole means of getting back to the site as was the case 37 years ago is by air boat! Thank to Jesse and Doyle kennon of Cooper City Air boats it was possible. Despite the advancement that Miami-Dade County has undergone since 1972, the world famous Florida Everglades are as unassailable as they were 37th years and for that matter since its discovery over 500 years ago.

Cooper City Air Boats Tours were a key factor in making this possible and we at the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group wish to thank both Mr. Jesse Kennon and his Son Mr. Doyle Kennon.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Prepares For The First Of Many Crash Site Survey of Flight 401

Shown left to right: kneeling, Benny Benitez, Ron Infantino, Al Naranjo, Catherine Smallwood and Beverly Raposa. This event marks the group first formal and organized crash site survey since the group formally assembled at the start of the year and of which many more shall follow as the group goes forth
Shown at the launch site is the group photographer Catherine Smallwood properly equipped to provide photographic survey of the site and to overall record the day for the group history

Not to waste one minute so as to seize every second at the site, group leader Ron Infantino begins to unload the provisions to take along for the trip, which mostly consisted of water and soda to combat the heat while out on the site

Al Naranjo and Bruce Brockhouse are ready and eager to head out. The trip is very useful to them both, as they will be able to get an idea of the general area as they continue their plans to hopefully establish a memorial at the site


Having been and operated in some the most remote parts of the world while undertaking the survey of aircraft accidents and crashes will in the service of Lloyd's of London and despite being in a "friendly" environment with the support of over eight air boats, direct contact via communication to the Opa Locka U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, Benny still conducts a proper and detailed equipment check for the group before heading out

Miami, Florida 12th September 2009: In a combined effort by all hands of the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group, the group makes ready for their first formal and organized expedition back out to the crash site of 37 years ago, so as to undertake a survey of the area.

One contributing attribute to the group is the experience in which group member Benny Benitez brings in the area of post crash area investigations and surveying.

As a post crash surveyor and investigator in the service of the London Lloyd Syndicate of Aviation Underwriters when being employed for the world known aviation lost adjustment firm, the London based AIRCLAIMS Benny Benitez undertook the survey of over a dozen crashes in the most inhospitable places within Latin America.

Drawing on his experience in planning, safety and executing success sit surveyors, the group benefited from this as they undertook the survey of their crash site. The group hopes to lay the ground work for future public tours that the group would use as means of raising funds for their cause through site visitation and lectures at the site by the survivors.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Survivor Meets One of His Rescuer from 37 Years Ago

Shown (left) is surviving Eastern Airline Flight 401 passenger Ron Infantino with retired Miami-Dade Fire-Figther Don Onstad who 37 years ago helped Ron off the rescue helicopter at the hospital when Ron was airlifted out from the crash site
After 37 years Ron Infantino and Don Onstad again meet within the Everglades, but under much different and more hospitable conditions and enjoyed seeing each other after so many years
Ron Infantino (left) is shown listing to Keith Price, the President of the Airboat Association of Florida, as unknown to him yet standing next to him is an individual who Ron has not seen within 37 years and who was the Miami-Dade Fire-Fighter who took him off the rescue helicopter. Retired Miami-Dade Firefighter Don Onstad awaits for Keith to finish speak before re-introducing himself to Ron

Miami, Florida 12th September 2009: As it always appears to be with the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group each exploit and undertaking that the group plans and does results in a new and wonderful find. Such is the case when during the preparation of the first organized survey tour back to the crash site of 37 years ago and as the group gathered at the Air Boater Association of Florida grounds, the past met the present.

Much to the surprise of everyone, especially surviving passenger Mr. Ron Infantino, he meets one of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescuer, Mr. Don Onstad.

Unknown to any of us at the time this amazing reunion was a surprise to all and on those magical moments that often happen when around the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group. Both Ron and Don warmly greeted each other and without any words at first spoken, just a hardy handshake and warm smile between them, the sensation of thanks and gratitude was abundant among these two men who fate brought them together 37 years ago.

After 37 Years The Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Locates and Indentify Wreckage From Aircraft N310EA

Despite the seasonal high water level within the Everglades, this piece from aircraft N310EA is still visible and after 37 years still appears to be in overall good condition concerning surface corrosion
Al Naranjo feels to see if the subject part may be moved, but soon learns that what is seen is actually the tip of the iceberg as further observation showed that this piece is over 8 feet long and about 3 feet wide. Recovery of this piece will require the part to be strapped and / or chained and hauled / broken free by either the airboats or a truck to be driven out on the levy A close up survey photograph displays heavy presence of "sealant" on the structure indicating that is may be part of an area which held fuel such as the wing and / or center tank areas. Also noted and worthy of mention that despite 37 years of sitting out there in the elements the "sealant" still had a slight rubber feel to it. Also the heavy rivet area displayed very little visible surface corrosion

Drawing on his diverse world experience of aircraft accident investigations and crash site reclamation with the London Lloyd's Syndicate, honorary group member Benny Benitez is "boots on ground" along with Al Naranjo and Bruce Brockhouse at the first identified area which exhibited a sizable part of aircraft wreckage from Eastern Airlines Lockheed L-1011 aircraft N310EA

Miami, Florida 12th September 2009: After 37 years surviving member of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 find themselves back to the site of the crash of their L-1011, N310EA, but this time they are not alone.

After a 40 min transit by the flotilla of air boats that comprised the survey team and through the area guidance of the good folks at the Air Boat Association of Florida, the group soon found themselves back at the crash site. It was amazing to see that after almost 37 years later bit and pieces of N310EA still lay undisturbed in the silence and remoteness that is the Everglades.

One such and notable piece of N310EA is shown above. It measured about 12 ft in length and at the widest about 4 1/2 feet wide and appears from its structure to be wing skin / section.

No effort was made to remove it as this visitation to the site was merely a survey, but in the future this could prove to be a good artifact to preserve from N310EA.

The subject part at the time of our survey laid in about 8 inches of water. The segment shown in the above photo is the point of one end.

It should be noted that noticeable reminisce of "gray sealant" was visible leading our theory that this may have been a section of the wing that housed a fuel cell. Further review shall be pending and final determination of the local piece shall be established.

AirBoat Association of Florida (AAOF) & Cooper City Assist The Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group With Their Survey of The Crash Site

The Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group crash site survey team shown left to right: Beverly Raposa, Benny Benitez, Al Naranjo, Bruce Brockhouse, Catherine Smallwood, Patty Mc Quigg, Ron Infantino and Keith Price of the Airboat Association of Florida. Of notable mention and not present due to a schedule conflict Mercy Ruiz (surviving flight attendant)

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Ron Infantino the group "Commander" speak with the President of the Airboat Association of South Florida Kieth Price about the site and the current condition of the area and its water level during this time of the year considering the seasonal heavy rains

Bruce Brockhouse and Al Naranjo from the Miami based Architectural firm of Brockhouse speak to Kieth Price about their idea to establish a memorial for Eastern Airlines Flight 401 out at the crash site

Eastern Airline Flight 401 surviving flight attendant Beverly Raposa shown here next Kieth Price, President of the AirBoat Association of Florida (AAOF). Keith is speaking to the group about the the current state of the water level out there before heading out for the scheduled survey

Miami, Florida 12th September 2009: The Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group wishes to thank all the good and caring folks both at the Air Boat Association of Florida (AAOF) and the Cooper City, as their willingness to help is greatly appreciated. In speaking to Mr. Keith Price the President of the Air Boat Association of Florida he mentioned that his organization will support the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group in providing transportation from time to time back to the site for any research and collection of information that would help the group establish itself. The group fully appreciate the support of the local airboating community as it was an lone airboat manned by the late Mr. Robert "Bud" Marquis that came to the rescue of Flight 401 and 37 years later the airboats and its great folks still are forever rendering the assistance that started 37 years ago.

We at the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group wish to thank and hold in great esteem all the folks that make up the airboat community and culture that is so special to South Florida and those who are here today because of the rescue they offered 37 years ago.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Holds Their First International Group Meeting at The 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant of Miami

A splendid view from within the dining area of the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant of a British Airways Boeing 747-400 upon its arrival onto runway "9 Right " at Miami International Airport
The inner setting within the Miami 94th Aero Squadron restaurant
The restaurant conveys a vintage and rural setting of a European county farm house. The interior walls are superbly decorates with artifact's and images of early military aviation, mostly World War I
The Miami 94th Aero Squadron restaurant locate adjacent to the Miami airport Southern perimeter road along side Runway "9 Right"
With the fine German precision, Lufthansa B747-400 arrives on schedule into Miami International Airport as observed from the inner dinning are of the restaurant. The table at 94th Aero Squadron restaurant are equipped with audio headsets that allows you to listen into Miami Air Traffic Control

Miami, Florida 22nd August 2009: On Saturday 22nd August 2009, the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group held their 15th consecutive 2009 group meeting as well as their first "International" meeting with the presence of their Support Representative Member (SRM) from the U.K. Mr. Nick Bavington at the famous Miami 94th Aero Squadron restaurant which is situated alone side the South side of Miami International Airport runway 9-Right.

There was no better place and / or venue than the "94th" as its affectionately become known through out the many years by their dedicate and loyal patrons.

The restaurant dinning area has huge side windows that clearly faces (MIA) runway 9-Right. The dining tables are equipped with audio headsets which allows audio monitoring of the local Air Traffic Control communication will you enjoy your meal and drinks. The service at the "94th" is one of super client service. The food at the "94th" is a mix of menu ordered items and / or buffet style at a great value with expectational portions served.

Being that The Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group is a Miami grown group and embraces all that is "Miami" the group plans to have their future weekend meetings at the "94th" and utilize their dinning halls for future gatherings and events. So come out to the "94th" on any given Saturday and enjoy a delightful meal, enjoy the sights of commercial aircraft landing at Miami International Airport and have a chance to meet the Eastern Airline Flight 401 Tribute Group members whose experience on the night of 29th December 1972 made air travel that much safer for all us today, 37 years later.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Group Honors Their U.K. Representative Mr. Nick Bavington With The First Ever N310EA Print Signed By The Survivors

As a sign of the group appreciation, honorary group member Benny Benitez (right) presents Nick with an original digital rendering of N310EA produced by Catherine Smallwood, the Chief Aviation Artist for The Digital Aircraft Factory. The original art work was signed by three of the survivors from Eastern Airlines Flight 401, thus being Ron Infantino, surviving passenger and Beverly Raposa and Mercy Ruiz, surviving flight 401 attendants not present was flight attendant Patty McQuinn of notable mention Nick Bavington the recipient of the first ever produced digital rendering of N310EA signed by survivors of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 is shown with the creator of the masterful art work, Catherine Smallwood. The art work measures 16 x20 printed on a canvas panel
Accompany with Katie, Nick smiles as he poses with the group of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 survivors and his wonderful art print of which he stated that once he gets back home to the U.K., he shall frame this one of a kind print and proudly display it within his home office back in England
Joined by the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 survivors Ron Infantino, Beverly Rasposa and Mercy Ruiz and the artist of the print Catherine Smallwood. Nick proudly displays his much appreciated gift from the group
Nick is joined by the survivors from Eastern Airlines Flight 401 who all proudly signed their names to the art print thus making it a special one of kind historical commercial aviation collectible

Miami, Florida 22nd August 2009: In showing their appreciation, the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group presented their Support Representative Member (SRM) from the U.K., Mr. Nick Bavington with a special one of a kind gift. Straight from the production studios of the Digital Aircraft Factory (DAF) a subsidiary of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group under the creative leadership of Catherine Smallwood, the Chief Aviation Artist for the (DAF) digitally brought back Eastern Airlines L-1011 N310EA.

The digital creation of N310EA will soon become the flagship of the group advertisement and being fully digital, thus created via the Hollywood grade special effect program called LIGHTWAVE, N310EA will be fully animated in flight and will soon visually grace the skies of Miami while flying.

The first official rendering was printed on a 16 x 20 canvas panel and signed by the survivors and given to Nick as a sincere sign of appreciation for his effort toward the cause. In the latter back of the 4th quarter of 2009, posters production of the L-1011 rendering with the signatures of the Eastern Flight 4o1 Tribute Group survivors shall be made available for sale to the public, so as to support the group memorial project.

Nick was delighted and honored to be considered for this one of kind gift. Nick stated that he will proudly display his special gift upon his return to the U.K.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Meets With Mr. Todd Nyman Board of Director Memeber for The Airboat Association of Florida

Airboat Association of Florida Board of Director member, Mr. Todd Nyman (left) speaks about the current condition of the crash site out within the Everglades, as Al Naranjo from the Miami based Architectural Firm Brockhouse who will design the memorial for Eastern Airlines Flight 401. Al annotates the informative information shared by Todd for consideration as Brockhouse prepares preliminary plans for the memorial
Todd explains areas of possible interest as the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group plans an expedition back out to crash site to survey, locate and identify various known aircraft wreckage from their aircraft N310EA which is still out there according to Todd
Al (second from the left) explains about a possible design consideration based on Todd advisement that the South Florida Water Management District along with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers plan to do away with the dike which is located close to the site and of which on the night of 29th December 1972 was instrumental in facilitating rescue of the survivors by ground vehicles such as the police and fire department, as they drove out the site to render assistance
Surviving flight attendant Beverly Raposa explains to Todd her crew station position seating within the aircraft moment's before the crash as Mercy Ruiz looks on. This meeting marks the start of the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 and the Airboat Association of Florida working together toward the goal of establishing the memorial and establishing possible tours to the site

Miami, Florida 22nd August 2009: As if one personal and professional pleasure was not enough during the first International meeting of the Eastern Flight 401 Tribute Group, the group was graced with the presence of yet a other individual who brings a worth of assistance from himself and his organization. Mr. Todd Nyman a Board of Director member of the Airboat Association of Florida was present at the group first "International" meeting. Todd and his group are an invaluable asset to the group, as the folks who make up the Airboat Association of Florida are an important part of the history of Eastern Airlines Flight 401. As recalled it is was an airboat which was manned by the late Mr. Robert "Bud" Marquis, "The Angel of the Everglades" that came to the rescue of the survivors in the early moments of the post crash. Todd and his group has generously offered to facilitate airboat transportation for the group to go out and survey the crash site, as Todd has advised that there is still a great deal of wreckage still out there related to N310EA. The Airboat Association of Florida will be an important part of the group effort to establishing the memorial. Thanks to Todd and the Airboat Association of Florida, the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute group continues to expand.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group U.K. Representative Mr. Nick Bavington Visits Miami For The Group First International Meeting

Surviving Flight 401 passenger and the group leader Ron "Commander" Infantino briefs Nick Bavington Eastern Flight 401 Tribute Group United Kingdom representative about the crash during Nicks first visit to Miami

Nick Bavington pays detail attention as Todd Nyman from the Airboat Association of Florida shows Beverly Raposa and Mercy Ruiz, both surviving 401 flight attendants as to the location of currently known and identified Eastern Flight 401 post crash wreckage still out there within the Everglades
Ron Infantino, flights 401 surviving passenger, shows Nick and Katie the Eastern Flight 401 Tribute Group informative brief folder, which contains a large and concentrated amount of post crash information, photographs and newspaper articles of the period Visiting Miami for the first time and attending the 15th continuous group meeting this year is Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group official representative from the United Kingdom, Mr. Nick Bavington and Katie. This meeting marks a high lite within the group, as its officially the first "International" meeting with Nicks and Katie presences. Nick is the Group first official and appointed representative

Miami, Florida 22nd August 2009: Despite the schedule daily rain fall of South Florida, the day turned out to be bright for the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group, as they hosted and met for the first time their Support Representative Member (SRM) Nick Bavington from the United Kingdom.

Nick and Katie visited Miami for the first time as they arrived from Orlando where they were on Holiday. Nick visits allowed the entire group to meet him for the first time since being appointed as the group actual first international (SRM).

Since coming on board with the group back in March 2009, Nick has been instrumental in linking up the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group with the sole military L-1011 operator, the Royal Air Force 216th Squadron based at RAF Station Brize Norton, home of the 216th.

Nick effort also resulted in liaising with Rolls Royce Engine Corporation, this is a key attribute as the famed Rolls Royce RB211-22B powered N310EA. Nick takes the cause across the pond so to speak and will hopefully lead the path for the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group to lecture within the European realm of aviation enthusiast, historians and airlines concerning Crew Recourse Management (CRM) and the experience of the survivors. The whole group was delighted to have met Nick and Katie and thank him for his dedication which is much appreciated! "Jolly Good"

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Hits The Radio Waves On The Chris Wolfe Show The "BIZ 880 AM"

Ron Infantino (Surviving Passenger) of Eastern Flight 401 sits prepared to proceed with the radio talk show and answer the expected volley of questions from the listening public
Mercy Ruiz (Surviving Flight Attendant) of Eastern Flight 401 with Benny Benitez, Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group honorary group member and supporter with talk show host Wanda Miles
The Eastern Airlines Fight 401 Tribute Group with radio talk show host Chris Wolfe. Shown left to right are Mercy Ruiz (Surviving Flight Attendant), Chris Wolfe, Benny Benitez, Beverly Raposa (Surviving Flight Attendant) and Ron Infantino (Surviving Passenger)
Radio talk show host Chris Wolfe of the Chris Wolfe radio show "BIZ 880 AM" whose motto is "Meeting Miami's Most Interesting People"

Chris Wolfe speaks with Beverly Raposa about her experience of being part of a major airline crash and being there at night in the middle of the Everglades
Mercy Ruiz speaks about her experience concerning the crash, as many questions from the public arrived concerning as to her and Beverly courage in keeping the many surviving passenger out there on that fateful night as calm as possible, which included the singing of Christmas songs
Ron and Beverly team up to answer a callers question about being "out there" and as to how they each dealt with the situation and their feeling about the crash many years later

Coral Gables, Florida 5th August 2009: In keeping with their public roll-out momentum, which was achieved at and since the Airliners International 2009 event held in Orlando, Florida back on July 23-25th, members of the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group took to the radio airwaves of Miami on WZAB 880AM.

Marking their 2nd visit onto the radio station since the inception of the group, radio talk show host Chris Wolfe of the Chris Wolfe "BIZ 880AM" extended a return invite for the group to speak as interest has greatly been generated within Miami since the recent article written by Miami Herald reporter Luisa Yanez, dated Monday 13th July, 2009 has once again sparked a renew interest within the public.

Present at the live broadcast from the studios at WZAB located in Coral Gables were surviving passenger Ron Infantino, who is affectionately known within the group as "The Commander" Beverly Raposa and Mercy Ruiz, both surviving flight attendants, flight 401 cabin crew and honorary member and renowned aviation consultant from the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group and post crash site surveyor, formerly in the service of Lloyd's of London, Benny F. Benitez.

Those not present that day at the studio as a result of scheduling, but worthy of honorable mentioned were Jan (Minguzzi) Coviello, surviving passenger and the 2nd and currently the only other honorary member Catherine Smallwood of the Digital Aircraft Factory.

As soon as Chris Wolfe opened the call in lines, the phone calls poured in as far West as San Diego, Califorina.

The calls of interest from the public ranged from the personal feeling of each of the survivors to specific technical questions about the aircraft and its flight crew. Not to be stymied by distance and not being able to be physically present, honorary member Catherine Smallwood called in from St. Augustine, Florida to elaborate in great detail about the aircraft pitch hold and autopilot for the benefit of the listing public.

The group was able to convey to the listening public the goal of establishing a memorial / tribute to those lives that were lost and those that were touched by the lost of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 on that dark night within the Everglades back on 29th December 1972, the night in which fail safe failed.

Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group Wraps It Up At The Airliners International 2009 Last Night Gala Event

Sown left to right at the Airliners International 2009 banquet are: Patty McQuigg (Surviving Flight Attendant) Eastern Airlines Flight 401 with Phil Brooks of United Airlines and his Wife Pam Brooks with Beverly Raposa (Surviving Flight Attendant) Eastern Airlines Flight 401
Shown with Beverly Raposa and Patty McQuigg both surviving Flight 401 Flight Attendants is aviation photographer Jerry Stanick ,who effort back in 1972 while photographing at Atlanta Hartfield International Airport, gave us two of the greatest shots ever so far of N310EA. Jerry is credited for the photo on our banner header of N310EA and the one displayed on the right hand side of our blog credited to him
Beverly Raposa speaks with Jon Proctor well known author of various commercial aviation books and former Editor-In-Chief for AIRLINERS Magazine. Jon was instrumental in the group having the pleasure of learning of Jerry Stanick and getting the group in touch with him concerning his photographs of N310EA
Shown with Patty McQuigg and Beverly Raposa, both surviving Eastern Airlines Flight 401 is Carlos Gomez, the quest speaker at the Airliners International 2009 Banquet Dinner. Carlos brief the entire audience on his group tremendous effort to fully restore to flight condition an ex-Eastern Airlines DC-7B
Flanked by Beverly Raposa and Patty McQuigg is Roger Jarman of Atlantic Models, the industry known manufacture of quality aircraft models from Miami, Florida and accompanying quest speaker with Carlos Gomez at the Airliners International 2009 Banquet Dinner The Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group with Mr. Danilo A.Vrolijk Sr. Air Traffic Controller of the Department of Aviation Aruba

Orlando, Florida 25th July 2009: After two full days of tremendous appreciation and great interest shown from the attending crowds toward the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute Group who were present at this years Airliners International, which was held in Orlando, Florida, the members of the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 Tribute group took in an enjoyable banquet dinner during the last night of the event.

In an odd twist of events, the survivors luck held strong at the banquet / dinner, as not only them but all others present who sat at their table that night all scored with winning raffle tickets for a host of great give aways ranging from aviation and aircraft's DVD's, books and die cast models.

It was truly a time for the 401 group to savor the night and enjoy the appreciation shown and rendered onto them, as all of them have given their all for many weekends this years to take their story, their memories and their message to all of us to understand, reflect and appreciate.

Add to that with being in the company with many great industry friends and colleagues it was truly a memorable night for all to remember.