unlucky-cactus

Description

From KLGA to KSEA, via KCLT, encountering some unpleasant birds.

"Huston, we have a problem!"

What is the name of the superhero?

Solution

Understanding the context

First, the context must be understood: KLGA, KSEA, and KCLT are ICAO codes for three airports. From this, it can be inferred that the scenario involves an aeroplane flight.

Other useful hints

The challenge name includes "unlucky," and the description references the famous phrase, "Houston, we have a problem." These clues strongly suggest that something has gone wrong, most likely involving a plane crash.

Google Search

A simple Google search using the three ICAO codes along with the word "crash" quickly leads to an article titled "13 Years Later - US 1549," which details the plane crash.

Analysis of the information found

Upon reading the article, several details confirm that the correct path is being followed:

• "US 1549, also referred to as Cactus 1549"
• "[...] US 1549 struck the frigid waters of the Hudson River"

The first detail connects to the challenge name, as "unlucky-cactus" clearly references Cactus 1549. The second detail relates to the challenge description, where the phrase "Houston, we have a problem" mirrors the name of the splashdown location, the Hudson River.

Extracting the flag

The challenge asks for the name of the pilot involved in a famous plane crash. A search for "Cactus 1549 flight" immediately leads to a Wikipedia page that provides the full name, including the nickname and surname, of the pilot.