Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) experienced a fast-moving thunderstorm. A Rocky Airlines flight on final approach for Runway 27L encountered severe windshear and a microburst forced the aircraft down onto the ground, breaking it in two. Half the wreckage was in the Delaware River, with the other half on the ground, engulfed in flames. Following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, an Alert 3 (airport’s highest level), was issued, triggering a full-scale emergency response from the airport, fire-rescue and emergency medical first responders and hospitals across the region, and local, state and federal agencies.

Fortunately, this scenario, which took place on October 7, was part of PHL’s Emergency Preparedness Exercise (EPEX). This simulated incident gave PHL personnel and first responders the opportunity to practice their skills and ensure they are ready to act in the event of an actual emergency.

“Every three years, we are required by the FAA to conduct a full-scale exercise to test and evaluate emergency response procedures,” said PHL Deputy Director of Operations and Security Chris Dougherty. “We need to make sure not only that the airport personnel are ready to act during an emergency, but that our local first response units and hospitals are prepared, too.  We don’t want the first time these groups are communicating and working together is during a real emergency.”  

For the first time since 1999, the 2023 EPEX include a water rescue with volunteer “victims”, police and fire units from Philadelphia and Delaware County, and ambulance services. A group of official evaluators consisting of aviation and first responder professionals assessed the procedures of responding emergency units. A “hot wash” session at the conclusion of the event allowed participants to discuss their observations of the response.  

 “EPEX takes months of planning to coordinate all personnel and volunteers,” said Dougherty.  “We thank every unit that participated in the exercise and the planning leading up to it. This is incredibly important to make sure we are on the same page in the event of an emergency.”  

The groups that participated included Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management; Philadelphia Airport Fire Department Engine 78; Philadelphia Fire Department; Philadelphia Police Department – Airport Unit; Philadelphia Police Department- Marine Unit; City of Philadelphia Regional EMS; Philadelphia Non-Municipal Ambulance Service;  2nd Alarmers of Philadelphia; Tinicum Township Office of Emergency Management; Tinicum Township Fire Marshal; Tinicum Township Fire Company Ambulance Service; Delaware County Citizen Corps; Delaware County Emergency Services; Brookhaven Fire Company EMS; Springfield Ambulance Corps; NJ State Police- Marine Unit; Camden Fire Department- Marine Unit; FAA; US Coast Guard; Transportation Security Administration; American Red Cross; Frontier Airlines; Atlantic Aviation; Army Corps of Engineering; Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; and Sea Scouts BSA.