lucky to be alive...

[punafish]

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/break...xygen.html

[MarkP]

I read an account by a pilot who flew the 747 that carried the space shuttle. Apparently they nearly blow out all the tires on every flight. The stench of hot rubber fills the plane for a few minutes sfter they lift off. So yes, there is some heat there but I doubt it lasts long enough to explain his survival. Maybe there are hydraulic lines in there nearby.

[Green]

I'm sure Hawaiian will charge him for at least an "economy fare" !

[wailani]

Mammals employ a reflex that slows everything way down with severe drops in temperature. breathing, heart rate , all drop right next to nothing in order to survive. That is how kids that submerse in really cold water are resuscitated without brain damage even after what would be too long an interval otherwise. As we get older, it doesn't work as well. No doubt he was lucky though.

[MarkP]

At -80 degrees I would expect flesh to freeze, even more so as metabolism slows.

[OpenD]

There have been many documented cases of wheel-well stowaways. but only about 25% survive the experience. Medical folks think the low oxygen and cold may have induced a kind of torpor, or state of near-suspended animation. Some are suggesting he may have suffered brain damage in the process.

Whatever happened, he's incredibly lucky to be alive.