Episode 630: Fan Favorite: The Unbelievable Survival Tale of Juliane Koepcke
Morbid
Deep Dive
Why did Julianne Koepcke choose to survive in the Amazon rainforest after the plane crash?
Julianne was well-prepared for survival in the Amazon, thanks to years of training from her parents who were experienced biologists and zoologists. Her survival instincts and the lessons she learned about the jungle, animals, and plants gave her the skills and determination to persevere.
What injuries did Julianne sustain from her 10,000-foot fall into the jungle?
Julianne suffered a severe concussion, a broken clavicle, a deep laceration on her arm, an open gash on her leg, and a ruptured ligament in her knee. Despite these injuries, she was able to stand and begin her journey through the jungle.
Why did the search planes not see Julianne during her 11 days in the jungle?
The thick canopy of the Amazon rainforest hid the crash site and Julianne, making it impossible for search planes to spot her. She could hear and see the planes, but she had no way to signal for help from the ground.
How did Julianne deal with the maggots in her wound?
Julianne used gasoline from a tambo to kill and remove the maggots. She managed to pull out over 30 maggots herself, but many more were later removed by medical professionals.
Why did Julianne Koepcke not return to Peru for a decade after the crash?
Julianne was deeply traumatized by the crash and the loss of her mother. She needed time to heal and process her grief. She eventually returned to Peru as a PhD student to study Amazonian bats and to preserve her parents' legacy at Panguana.
What was the cause of the plane crash that Julianne survived?
The crash was caused by a combination of pilot error and poor maintenance of the plane. The crew decided to fly through a thunderstorm, and the plane was not equipped to handle heavy turbulence, leading to a catastrophic failure when it was struck by lightning.
Why did Hans Wilhelm, Julianne's father, send her to Germany after her rescue?
Hans was devastated by the loss of Maria and wanted to protect Julianne from the constant media scrutiny. He believed she needed a break from the trauma and the attention, so he sent her to live with her grandmother and aunt in Germany.
What did Julianne do after she was rescued and recovered?
After her recovery, Julianne returned to school in Lima, completed her education, and later moved to Germany. She eventually became a librarian at the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology and the director of Panguana, where she continued her parents' research and conservation efforts.
Why did Julianne Koepcke travel back to the crash site with Werner Herzog?
Julianne accompanied Werner Herzog to the crash site to share her survival story and to revisit the place where she had faced her greatest ordeal. This journey helped her understand and process her experiences, and it also allowed her to preserve the memory of her parents and the crash.
What role did Julianne's parents play in her ability to survive the jungle?
Julianne's parents, Maria and Hans Wilhelm, were both brilliant biologists and zoologists who taught her survival skills from a young age. They instilled in her a deep understanding of the jungle, its dangers, and how to navigate and survive in it, which was crucial for her 11-day journey.
- Juliane Koepcke's plane crash in 1971
- The hosts' personal fear of flying
- Juliane's inspiring recovery and return to flying
Shownotes Transcript