The latest flick from Amazon Prime Studios tells the true story of Doug and Terri White during a flight from hell. On A Wing And A Prayer is inspired by the incredible survival of the White family, and promises to bring to life the shocking events that transpired one April afternoon.
Starring Dennis Quaid as Doug White and Heather Graham as Terri White, the film recounts the tragic events the real White family faced in mid-air. Directed by Sean McNamara, the Prime Video film hit screens on April 7, 2023, exclusive to the streaming platform.
Whilst the film promises to be riddled with emotion and real intensity, the true story behind On A Wing And A Prayer is even more riveting.
The true story behind On A Wing And A Prayer
What was seemingly a sad but normal return trip home for the White family turned into a life-or-death situation. April 2009 was already a difficult time for the family, as a close member passed away.
Returning from a funeral, the White family boarded a private chartered plane from Florida to Louisiana when the unexpected happened. The pilot passed away during the flight.
“I’ve got to declare an emergency. My pilot’s deceased. I need help.”
Loving father and husband Doug White was tasked with an incredible challenge. With only 3 months of flying lessons under his belt, Doug took charge of the plane. Despite his months of lessons, Doug White was not a qualified pilot.
However, his inexperience didn’t stop him. The pilot suffered from a heart-attack mid-air, leaving Doug with one option. He called his wife Terri up to the cockpit and the pair set about flying the plane.
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After contacting the controllers in Fort Myers, Doug and Terri were told to disengage the auto-pilot. The controllers reached out to Kari Sorenson, a flight instructor and pilot with major experience flying the King Air plane, the same type of plane the White family were on. Sorenson relayed the necessary information to the controllers, ensuring Doug landed the plane safely.
Thankfully, any further disaster was avoided, and the experience of the White family went on to make an incredibly compelling true story.
Doug and Terri White: Where are they now?
Doug White is now retired after working as a pharmacist and pilot.
He retired from his job as a pharmacist in 2010 and obtained his pilot’s license a few years after.
Doug is now 70 years of age, while he was only 56 years old when the 2009 events occurred.
He is still a devoted father and grandfather and along with his wife Terri, Doug now enjoys a private and quiet life in Louisiana.
Although, the White family was involved in the production of On A Wing And A Prayer to help bring some authenticity to the project.
On A Wing And A Prayer is available to stream now on Prime Video after releasing on April 7, 2023.
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