Getting shot down in Mexico and Colombia while smuggling drugs | Roger Reaves and Lex Fridman

TL;DR

Pilot recounts his harrowing experience of being shot down, surviving multiple bullet hits, and crash-landing in two separate incidents.

Transcript

i i got shot down uh a few weeks before that i got shot my mind the sky 80 bullet holes through the plane killed a fellow on the ground shot the shot the leg nearly off the man was all right a little nine hundred foot strip there peachy linga poor poor village with starving donkeys that's where they'd i'd give them seventeen thousand dollars for a ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤔 The pilot's survival instincts and quick thinking allowed him to escape life-threatening situations.
• 🥺 The dangers faced by pilots involved in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, can lead to life-or-death situations.
• 🧑‍✈️ The pilot's experiences highlight the risks and consequences associated with engaging in illegal activities.
• 🥺 Despite the dangers faced, the pilot's will to survive and escape remained strong, ultimately leading to his survival in both incidents.
• 🍵 The importance of proper training and knowledge in aviation is crucial in mitigating risks and handling emergencies effectively.
• 🧑‍✈️ The pilot's choice to crash-land and abandon the plane in order to save his life showcases his prioritization of personal safety over the value of the aircraft.
• 🧑‍✈️ The pilot's encounters with armed individuals underscore the presence of violence and criminality in the regions he operated in.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the pilot manage to escape when he was shot down in Colombia?

The pilot evaded military jets by spiraling down into a thunderstorm, using the storm as cover. Eventually, he crash-landed in a pasture and made a daring escape.

Q: Did the pilot face any injuries during the crash-landing?

Yes, the pilot sustained multiple injuries, including bullet wounds, broken thumb, and bruises. Despite the injuries, he managed to survive and escape.

Q: How did the pilot survive being shot down and crash-landing in a river?

The pilot crash-landed in a river after being shot at by armed men. He escaped the sinking plane and swam to safety. He also used a gun to defend himself against the armed men pursuing him.

Q: What was the pilot's motivation for flying in such dangerous situations?

The pilot initially trained to be a missionary aviation fellowship pilot, flying missionaries in and out of remote areas. However, he later got involved in illegal activities, such as drug runs, which led to these dangerous experiences.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The pilot describes being shot down in Colombia while attempting a drug run, narrowly escaping the military jets and crash-landing in a pasture.

• In a separate incident, he recalls getting shot at by armed men while transporting marijuana, sustaining multiple injuries and crash-landing in a river.

• Despite the dangerous situations, the pilot manages to escape both incidents and survive.