title: Hang on and Fly: A Post-War Story of Plane Crash Tragedies, Heroism, and Survival
author: Tim Lake
description: "Hang on and Fly is North America's Alive, 20 years earlier." --Bill Shull, Author of Philadelphia Television. "This is one book you can't put down." --Commander Donald Budrejko, USNR (Ret.)
zlib_text: > To my gorgeous husband Stuart. My real life hero and the best man I know
  > (besides you Dad . . .)
  
  > AND
  
  > To my two beautiful daughters, Liah and Tara. You are my greatest
  > achievements.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  In the shadows of a deserted park, a lone figure lingered, sipping from a
  bottle of beer, waiting for chaos to erupt.
  
  
  An explosive blast shook the ground and orange flames shot high into the sky.
  More fire spewed from blown windows, shattering glass and sending debris
  everywhere. Embers floated down from the heavens like blackened rain, landing
  in gutters and on lawns, sparking new fires.
  
  
  What a spectacular display. The violent hisses, the crackling and popping
  sounds of the inferno in full flight were intoxicating, like something out of
  a movie. It was hard not to feel proud, in awe of one’s own abilities and the
  sense of power the scene produced.
  
  
  People ran from their houses. Some stood paralysed, shocked. Others rushed in
  courageously, like soldiers on a battleground, to assis