Assem Ashat, a commercial pilot who survived a plane crash at North Perry Airport, shared his story of recovery with 7News. Ashat, who had dreamed of flying since he was a child, had accumulated over 1,000 flying hours as an experienced banner pilot before the accident occurred due to mechanical issues.
During the crash, Ashat lost control of the plane when one of the rudders failed, causing the Piper to spiral down from 250 to 300 feet. Despite being conscious after the crash, Ashat realized he couldn’t feel his legs and was later diagnosed with a spinal cord injury. He underwent multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy to regain his mobility.
Ashat’s determination and hard work paid off, and he is now able to walk again. He credits his progress to trusting the recovery process and following his therapists’ guidance. He encourages others facing similar challenges to stay positive and focused on their rehabilitation journey.
After months of intensive therapy, Ashat is now in better shape than before the accident and is eager to return to flying. He recently went up in the air again and is looking forward to piloting a plane in the future.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are still investigating the crash, and it may take several more months for their analysis to be completed. Ashat’s miraculous recovery serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
