4 Times Harrison Ford Cheated Death (And 4 Times He Was A Hero)

1. Ford Avoids Populated Areas In Emergency Landing, Possibly Saving Lives

One thing that really should be taken away from Harrison Ford's plane crash Thursday is how skillfully he managed to avoid populated areas, crashing the plane instead on a nearby golf course. Santa Monica Airport is situated in the suburbs, with homes located not far from the airport itself. When Ford's plan began experiencing engine failure at approximately 3,000 feet and he realized he couldn't make it back to the airport, he found the next best thing: the 8th hole at Penmar Golf Course in Venice. By all accounts, he came right down on the tee. No one on the ground was hurt, and that's no doubt largely due to Ford's quick thinking. While losing engine power in a plane like Ford was flying doesn't make it impossible to maneuver (the advantages of a smaller craft), it means you need to land, quick. Christian Fry, speaking for the Santa Monica Airport Association, said of Ford's crash landing that "I would say that this is an absolutely beautifully executed €” what we would call €” a forced or emergency landing, by an unbelievably well-trained pilot." Kudos to Ford, who has shown that, like his on-screen characters, he can think fast and come through under pressure. Get well soon Harrison!