Get ready for the most unbelievable survival story you've ever heard. Hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen deliver a jaw-dropping tale that sounds like Hollywood fiction but is 100% real—and it happened at 400 mph, 17,000 feet above ground.

Picture this: June 10th, 1990. British Airways Flight 5390. Thirteen minutes after takeoff, the cockpit windscreen explosively blows out, and Captain Tim Lancaster gets literally sucked halfway out of the aircraft. For 22 agonizing minutes, he's pinned against the fuselage—outside a commercial airliner—while his crew desperately holds onto his legs and fights to land the plane.

This isn't just a survival story—it's a masterclass in:

Kaycee and Julie break down this incredible true story minute-by-minute, from the catastrophic windscreen failure to the heroic actions of First Officer Alistair Atkinson and flight attendant Nigel Ogden. You'll learn about the physics of explosive decompression, the investigation that revealed shocking maintenance failures, and how Captain Lancaster somehow survived conditions that should have killed him in minutes.

Key Timestamps:

In this episode of 'The Crux: Disaster Strikes,' host Julie Henningsin delves into the harrowing story of the cargo ship El Faro, which sank near The Bahamas on October 1st, 2015, claiming all 33 lives on board. Through the recovered voyage data recorder, we gain a chilling insight into the ship's final hours. Henningsin explores the crew dynamics, the weather challenges, and the human errors that compounded the disaster. The episode highlights the systemic issues in maritime safety and the lessons learned to prevent future tragedies, paying tribute to the lost crew members.

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In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen explore the ill-fated voyage of the Karluk during the 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition. They discuss the questionable leadership of expedition organizer Vilhjalmur Stefansson, the concerns about the ship's seaworthiness, and the harrowing events that followed when the vessel became trapped in ice. The episode covers the dramatic sinking of the ship, the incredible 80-mile journey across shifting ice to Wrangel Island, and Captain Bartlett's heroic 700-mile trek to secure rescue. Through captivating storytelling and analysis, this episode highlights how leadership decisions, preparation, and resilience determined the fate of the expedition members in one of the most remarkable Arctic survival stories of the early 20th century.

00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

02:24 The Karluk: A Questionable Vessel for Arctic Exploration

06:28 Trapped in Ice and Stefansson's Departure

09:49 Christmas Celebrations Despite Dire Circumstances

11:17 Dramatic Final Moments with Chopin's Funeral March

13:32 The Treacherous March to Wrangel Island

15:41 Bartlett's Epic Journey for Rescue

18:24 The Rescue After Eight Months

20:45 Stefansson's Continued Career and Lack of Remorse

22:49 The Ada Blackjack Story and Stefansson's Legacy

23:55 Podcast Conclusion and Listener Engagement

References

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the allure and dangers of Mount Fuji. They discuss the historical significance and the cultural importance of Japan's tallest peak, which attracts hundreds of thousands of climbers annually. The episode covers the tragic yet sensational story of a climber who had to be rescued twice within four days due to altitude sickness, along with other harrowing tales of fatalities and rescues on the mountain. The hosts also explore the symptoms and risks of altitude sickness, the importance of proper preparation, and the evolving role of technology in search and rescue operations on Mount Fuji. Through captivating storytelling and expert analysis, this episode underscores the delicate balance between beauty and danger in the wild.

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

In this episode of Disaster Strikes, host Kaycee McIntosh tackles the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, often referred to as the 'silent killer.' This episode examines real-life tragedies, explaining how carbon monoxide exposure occurs and the devastating effects it can have on the human body. McIntosh emphasizes the importance of prevention through the use of carbon monoxide detectors and provides practical tips to protect yourself and loved ones at home and while traveling. The episode highlights shocking statistics and heart-wrenching stories to drive home the importance of being vigilant about this invisible threat.

In this episode, join Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh as they dive into the astonishing story of Dr. Alain Bombard, a French physician and biologist who, in 1952, undertook an audacious scientific experiment. To prove that humans could survive adrift at sea using only ocean resources, Bombard set off to drift across the Atlantic Ocean in a small inflatable dinghy, without food or water. Over the course of 65 harrowing days, he endured severe conditions, subsisting on raw fish, plankton, and minimal sea water. Explore his motivations, the challenges he faced, and how his journey revolutionized maritime survival techniques. Despite criticism and controversy, Bombard's story is a testament to human endurance, ingenuity, and the relentless drive to push the boundaries of what is deemed possible.

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast follows the remarkable tale of 2-year-old Boden Allen who survived a seven-mile journey through the hazardous Arizona desert, thanks to the protective instincts of a ranch dog named Buford. Host Kaycee McIntosh delves into the Allen family's terrifying ordeal, the resilience of young children in wilderness situations, and the heroics of Great Pyrenees dogs. The episode also highlights other incredible child survival stories and provides crucial safety tips to prevent and handle similar incidents.

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

References

Arizona Republic. (2025, April 19). A sleepless, terrifying night ends with good news for Arizona family. Yahoo! News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/sleepless-terrifying-night-ends-good-155612035.html

Caplan, A. L. (2022, December 9). Great Pyrenees attacks pack of coyotes to protect animals on Georgia farm: 'Not a normal dog'. People. https://people.com/pets/great-pyrenees-named-casper-attacks-coyote-pack-to-protect-sheep/

Chiu, D. (2025, April 21). Parents speak out after toddler was found walking through wilderness by rancher's dog. People. https://people.com/parents-speak-out-after-toddler-found-by-ranchers-dog-after-walking-through-wilderness-11719081

Gabrielle Sales. (2022, April 15). Dangers of hiking in the desert and safety tips. From One Girl to One World. https://from1girlto1world.com/dangers-of-the-desert/

Golightly, C. (2025, April 18). 'It's like the worst living nightmare any parent can feel,' 2-year-old reunited with family after 7 mile journey through mountain lion territory. 11Alive. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/nation-world/arizona-toddler-found-safe-after-night-missing-in-wilderness/75-b30e1fd8-8f84-4853-83aa-5956c609aca2

Great Pyrenees Club of Southern Ontario. (2024). Great Pyr and Bear - Pet or working dog? https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/Great-Pyr-and-Bear.html

Happy Puppy Team. (2023, April 21). Great Pyrenees temperament traits. The Happy Puppy Site. https://thehappypuppysite.com/great-pyrenees-temperament/

Mattinson, P. (2023, September 27). Great Pyrenees temperament: What's a Great Pyrenees's personality like? iHeartDogs. https://iheartdogs.com/great-pyrenees-temperament-whats-a-great-pyreneess-personality-like/

Simon, D., & Riess, R. (2019, May 18). Kentucky toddler lost in woods for days is found. Rescuers heard his cries. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/16/us/missing-kentucky-toddler-survived/index.html

Simpson, K. (2016, May 8). Childlike behavior helps kids survive. The Denver Post. https://www.denverpost.com/2006/06/03/childlike-behavior-helps-kids-survive/

US SAR Task Force. (2021, July 23). Child survival – Lost in the woods. https://ussartf.org/child_survival_.htm

Weather Atlas. (2024, May 24). April weather forecast: Arizona, USA. https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/arizona-usa-weather-april

In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes,' host Julie Henningsin dives into the haunting story of Randy Morganson, a legendary backcountry ranger who vanished without a trace in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1996. This episode explores Randy's life, his profound connection to the wilderness, and the tragic series of events that led to his disappearance. Over nearly three decades, Randy was known for his extensive knowledge of the Sierra Nevada, his ability to find lost hikers, and his dedication to protecting the wilderness. Despite his experience, he fell victim to the very dangers he had spent his career rescuing others from. Through Randy's story, listeners are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the importance of respecting its power. The episode provides valuable lessons on wilderness safety and the psychological and physical demands faced by backcountry rangers. It concludes with a reflection on Randy's legacy and a call to learn from past mistakes to improve future survival.

To see photos of Randy and for more information about the book The Last Season visit: https://www.ericblehm.com/books/the-last-season

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the harrowing survival story of the crew of the USS Indianapolis, which sank in July 1945. The episode covers the catastrophic events leading up to and following the ship's sinking, where the crew faced extreme conditions, including dehydration, exposure, and shark attacks. The hosts discuss the psychological and physical trials endured by the survivors, the failures in communication that led to a delayed rescue, and the eventual exoneration of Captain Charles McVay. The story emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude, group cohesion, and hope in survival situations. Additionally, the episode touches on the broader implications of the disaster, including changes in naval procedures and the enduring legacy of the survivors.

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

In this episode of The Crux, Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, delve into the terrifying encounters between humans and polar bears. The episode recounts the harrowing survival stories of individuals like Matt Dyer and Elijah Carner, who faced life-threatening polar bear attacks in remote Arctic regions. The hosts discuss the increasing frequency of such encounters due to climate change, which causes bears to move closer to human territories. They also explore the biology of polar bears, the environments where attacks typically occur, and the essential survival tactics and safety measures required when traveling in polar bear regions. This episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and the evolving strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and bears in an ever-changing Arctic landscape.

Email us! [email protected]

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

Arctic Today. (2021, August 18). Polar bear attack survivor played dead to save his life. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polar-bear-attack-survivor-played-dead-to-save-his-life-1.1389918

BBC News. (2020, August 28). Dutch man killed by polar bear on Norway's Svalbard islands. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53945950

BBC News. (2023, January 20). Alaska polar bear attack: Mother and son killed while walking in Wales. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgq20qd59yyo

Dyer, M. (2017, March 24). I survived a polar bear attack. Backpacker. https://www.backpacker.com/survival/surviving-animal-attacks/i-survived-a-polar-bear-attack/

Lester, K. (2014, July 28). A year after surviving polar bear attack, he is mellowed, undaunted, and ready to hike again. Portland Press Herald. https://www.pressherald.com/2014/07/28/a-year-after-surviving-polar-bear-attack-he-is-mellowed-undaunted-and-ready-to-hike-again/

Hopper, T. (2021, August 18). Nunavut man who survived polar bear attack recounts experience. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/polar-bear-attack-survivor-1.6142932

Hymas, D. (2015, January). The man who survived a polar bear attack. Sierra. https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-1-january-february/feature/man-who-survived-polar-bear-attack

Pappas, S. (2023, January 18). Polar bear attacks and kills woman and boy in remote Alaska village. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/polar-bear-attack-alaska

Polar Bears International. (n.d.). Polar bear attacks: Causes & prevention. https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/polar-bear-attacks-causes-prevention

Slisco, A. (2014, July 26). Maine man survives polar bear attack. WMTW. https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-man-survives-polar-bear-attack/1996996

Welz, A. (2017, July 12). Polar bear attacks on people set to rise as climate changes. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2140701-polar-bear-attacks-on-people-set-to-rise-as-climate-changes/

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Polar bear. Retrieved April 12, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_bear