Part 7/9:
As Flight 143 approached Gimli, the crew faced further complications. The ram air turbine, which provided the essential hydraulic power, had begun failing to keep the plane’s flap system operational. Pearson was suddenly required to execute a landing using much higher approach speeds than normal, a daunting task without proper control of the aircraft.
The unexpected scenario of a racetrack beneath them presented an immediate risk. Pearson had to execute a forward slip maneuver—an advanced technique more common in gliding than commercial flights—to reduce their altitude without increasing speed. With the ground and racecars approaching rapidly, the crew’s nerves were put to the ultimate test.