Loyola University medical student Ali Hausfeld overcame the plane crash that killed her father and sister and the car crash that injured her and her boyfriend. Charlie Wojciechowski reports.
A first-year medical student at Loyola University considered dropping out of school after her father and sister died in a tragic plane crash, but four years later she is graduating in May and completing her residency at the university of her choice.
During her first year at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine, Ali Hausfeld learned that her father and sister died in a plane crash on their way to pick her up for Easter weekend. The two set off from Dayton, Ohio and crashed moments later after the plane’s engine died.
Hausfeld considered dropping out of school, but her mother convinced her to continue.
"It was extremely difficult and I didn’t know if I could continue in medical school or if I needed to be home with my mom. I think with the support I had here at Loyola and the support of my family, I was able to continue on with medical school," Hausfeld said.
Less than three years after the tragedy, Hausfeld and her boyfriend were involved in a head-on collision after another drive fell asleep at the wheel. Hausfeld suffered five broken ribs, a broken rib and dislocated ankle.
Following surgery and months in physical therapy, Hausfeld returned to her studies and developed an interest in internal and emergency medicine.
"My circumstances have given me perspective that make me calm during stressful situation. I think this will help me in my career, particularly if I pursue emergency medicine," Hausfeld said.
Hausfeld learned earlier this week that she had been matched at a residency program following her graduation in May. At Loyola’s Match Day ceremony Friday, Hausfeld learned she will be completing her five-year residency in internal and emergency medicine at Ohio State University, a university much closer to home.
She was surrounded by more than 20 family members, friends and more than 100 classmates when she picked up the sealed envelope revealing her residency location. Hausfeld received one of 27 slots available nationwide in her field of study, and the only slot available at Ohio State.
Although Hausfeld’s father and sister weren’t with her to celebrate this moment in her career, she knows they are proud of her and she is excited for this new chapter in her life.
"Happy to be going home with my mom and cousins here," Hausfeld said.
Story and Video: http://www.nbcchicago.com
NTSB Identification: CEN10FA180
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, April 01, 2010 in Dayton, OH
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/20/2011
Aircraft: BEECH B36TC, registration: N4BA
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
Approximately 1 minute after takeoff, as the airplane was about 1 mile southwest of the airport, the pilot reported an engine failure to air traffic controllers and initiated a return to the airport. One witness, located about 1 mile west of the airport, reported that the sound of the engine changed abruptly; noting that the engine seemed to lose power completely. Another witness, located near the airport, observed the airplane approach from the west and turn to align with the downwind runway. During the turn, the left wingtip struck the ground and the airplane impacted short of the runway. A postimpact fire ensued. Although the pilot initiated a return to the airport, an interstate highway and an open grass area short of the runway were both potentially available for an emergency landing. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 (aft) main crankshaft bearing failed due to unknown circumstances. The progressive failure of the bearing likely precipitated secondary failures of the crankcase through-bolt and the fuel pump coupling, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The complete loss of engine power due to failure of the No. 1 main bearing, and the secondary failure of a crankcase through-bolt and the fuel pump drive coupling. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt a return to the airport for a downwind forced landing, despite having an interstate highway and an open grass area short of the runway as available emergency landing sites.
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