Against The Odds: "Crashed in the Canadian Wilderness | The Bonds Forged by Wapiti 402 | 4"
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping fourth and final episode of the series "Crashed in the Canadian Wilderness," host Cassie Depechel engages in a profound conversation with Carol Shabin, the daughter of Larry Shabin—the Alberta Housing Minister and one of the four survivors of the Wapiti Flight 402 crash on October 19, 1984. Carol, also the author of the compelling book Into the Abyss, delves deep into the harrowing events of that night, the enduring bonds formed among the survivors, and the lasting impact of the tragedy on their lives.
The Plane Crash and Immediate Aftermath
On the fateful evening of October 19, 1984, a small plane carrying ten individuals, including Larry Shabin, crashed in the remote wilderness of northern Alberta, Canada. Out of the ten passengers, only four survived: the pilot Eric Vogel, a politician (Larry Shabin), a police officer, and his prisoner, Paul Archambault. Despite their diverse backgrounds, these men united to survive the freezing night.
Cassie Depechel (00:09): "On October 19th, 1984, a small plane carrying 10 people crashed in the wilderness of northern Alberta in Canada. Four men survived... they leaned on each other to make it through the freezing night."
Carol Shabin's Awakening and Journey to Storytelling
At the age of 22, Carol Shabin was working as a journalist in Jerusalem when she first learned about the crash through a brief newspaper article. Discovering that her father, Larry, was one of the survivors, Carol became determined to uncover the full story, which remained untold for over two decades.
Carol Shabin (02:01): "Opposition Leader Killed in Alberta Plane Crash... Larry Shabin. My father."
Larry Shabin, burdened by the trauma of the crash, avoided discussing the incident for years. It wasn't until he faced a terminal cancer diagnosis that he opened up to Carol, urging her to document his experiences.
Carol Shabin (03:13): "I think it was his way of saying, this story needs to be told. Write the story."
Uncovering Friendship in Crisis
Carol was particularly intrigued by the unlikely friendship between Larry and Paul Archambault, a criminal and drifter who played a pivotal role in their survival. Despite their stark differences in social status, religion, and background, the ordeal erased all barriers, forging a deep bond between them.
Carol Shabin (04:53): "These survivors... from different walks of life... how these dividing lines of power and class and status were just erased that night."
Paul Archambault: The Reluctant Hero
Paul emerged as a national hero for his role in saving the lives of his fellow survivors. However, the sudden fame was overwhelming for him. He remained humble, attributing his actions to ordinary human behavior rather than heroism, which made adapting to his newfound status challenging.
Carol Shabin (06:54): "Paul... he had this sense of humility... he forgave earlier convictions... just did what anyone would do."
Maintaining Bonds Amidst Public Attention
Larry maintained a strong connection with Paul and the other survivors. In the summer of 1985, Paul visited Larry at his legislative office, highlighting the unchanged bond between them despite their different life paths post-crash.
Carol Shabin (08:14): "As soon as my dad found out who it was, he ushered him right in as if he was like royalty... a really joyous moment for my dad."
Survivors Reunited: The Official Inquest
Several months after the crash, all four survivors reunited at the official government inquest. The reunion was marked by genuine excitement and affection, underscoring the lasting bond formed through their shared trauma.
Carol Shabin (10:31): "There was genuine excitement and affection... they just look exuberant and so happy to be reunited."
Eric Vogel: From Pilot to Advocate
Eric Vogel, the pilot, faced significant legal battles following the crash. Struggling with guilt and shame, Eric chose to become an advocate for aviation safety, dedicating his life to preventing future tragedies despite personal and professional challenges.
Carol Shabin (11:44): "He became an outspoken advocate... volunteering at flight schools... showing up, doing what he can."
Scott Deschamps: A Life Transformed
Scott Deschamps, the police officer, underwent profound personal changes after the crash. He left the police force, pursued higher education, reconnected with family, and embraced a life enriched with new relationships and personal achievements.
Carol Shabin (17:08): "Scott... he wanted to make something of his life... he was happy, I'm content, I'm complete."
Paul Archambault’s Final Years and Legacy
Despite his heroism, Paul struggled with internal demons and societal judgments. His life tragically ended in 1990, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him. Larry Shabin, who had become a father figure to Paul, was devastated by his loss.
Carol Shabin (21:20): "He was like a son... losing a son, albeit an itinerant son... tore him apart."
Reuniting After Two Decades: A Heartfelt Conclusion
In October 2004, exactly 20 years after the crash, Larry orchestrated a reunion with Eric and Scott in Vancouver. The meeting was filled with laughter, shared memories, and a deep sense of family, highlighting the enduring spirit of their bond.
Carol Shabin (29:41): "They were sitting like family, like long lost family... connection was irrefutable and undiminished."
Legacy of Compassion and Bridge-Building
Larry Shabin transitioned from a political career to philanthropy, focusing on bridging divides and supporting the homeless. His work with organizations like Homeward Trust reflected the core values reinforced by the crash—humanity and compassion above all else.
Carol Shabin (31:54): "We are, at our essence, humans, and the rest of it doesn't really matter."
Final Reflections and Continuing the Legacy
Before his passing in 2008, Larry read selected chapters of Carol's Into the Abyss to him, urging her to continue sharing their story. Carol has since taken up the mantle, maintaining annual correspondences with the surviving members to honor their shared history and resilience.
Carol Shabin (33:31): "It was his way of saying, keep going, Carol. After I'm dead, don't let this story die."
Book Recommendations: Extending the Story
In a special segment, Al Woodworth from Amazon Books shares her top book recommendations for fans of survival and adventure stories. She highlights titles like The Wager by David Grann, Dear Edward by Anne Napolitano, and Drowning by T.J. Newman, drawing parallels to the themes explored in Into the Abyss.
Al Woodworth (36:42): "We're looking for books that are unputdownable... books that you just can't stop thinking about."
Conclusion
This episode of Against The Odds masterfully intertwines personal narratives with broader themes of survival, friendship, and the human spirit. Through Carol Shabin's heartfelt recounting and insightful reflections, listeners gain a profound understanding of how a single tragic event can reshape lives, forge unbreakable bonds, and leave a lasting legacy of compassion and resilience.
Notable Quotes
- Carol Shabin (03:13): "I think it was his way of saying, this story needs to be told. Write the story."
- Carol Shabin (04:53): "These survivors... from different walks of life... how these dividing lines of power and class and status were just erased that night."
- Carol Shabin (06:54): "Paul... he had this sense of humility... he forgave earlier convictions... just did what anyone would do."
- Carol Shabin (17:08): "Scott... he wanted to make something of his life... he was happy, I'm content, I'm complete."
Resources
To delve deeper into the story of Wapiti Flight 402 and its survivors, visit Carol Shabin's book Into the Abyss.
Credits
- Host: Cassie Depechel
- Guest: Carol Shabin
- Producer: Polly Stryker
- Interview Producer: Peter Arcuni
- Audio Engineer: Sergio Enriquez
- Music: Scott Velasquez and 2K for Freeze On Sync Series
- Additional Producers: Lita Rosanna, Desi Blaylock, Ryan Lohr, Rachel Matlow
- Executive Producers: Jenny Lauer, Beckman, Stephanie Jens Marshall, Louie, Erin O'Flaherty
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