Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Member Jennifer Homendy and Tim DePaepe, Railroad Accident Investigator, Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations, about Positive Train Control (PTC), NTSB PTC-related investigations and recommendations and other rail safety issues.

Fully Implement Positive Train Control is on the NTSB 2019-2020 Most Wanted List.

Member Homendy’s full bio is available on our website.

For previous podcasts featuring Member Homendy and her blogs related to PTC visit our website.

The full Railroad Accident Reports mentioned during the podcast are also available on our website.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

October has been designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as National Pedestrian Safety Month, with the goal of increasing awareness about pedestrian safety, and reminding drivers and walkers that staying safe is a shared responsibility.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, Member Tom Chapman, his Special Assistant Ivan Cheung, and Senior Highway Crash Investigator Rafael Marshall discuss our pedestrian Special Investigation Report, its safety recommendations, pedestrian safety tips, and other considerations that both drivers and pedestrians should take when sharing the roadway.

The NTSB Special Investigation Report: Pedestrian Safety mentioned in this episode is available here.

The NTSB final report for the Tempe, AZ, crash mentioned in this episode is available here.

The previously released podcast featuring Member Tom Chapman, is available here.

The previously released podcast featuring Ivan Cheung is available here.

The previously released podcast featuring Rafael Marshall is available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

October 2020 has been designated Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This national effort focuses on ways to change driver behavior through legislation, enforcement and education.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we have a conversation with Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg and Senior Highway Safety Investigator Don Karol talk about NTSB crash investigations involving distraction, the decisions that led to the NTSB issuing a safety recommendation calling on states to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices while driving, and why it’s time to move past awareness and into action to prevent distracted driving.

The NTSB final reports for the investigations mentioned in this episode are available here.

The previously released podcast featuring Vice Chairman Landsberg, is available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Member Michael Graham and Highway Investigators Michele Beckjord and Meg Sweeney share lessons learned from our school-transportation-related crash investigations and discuss why school buses are the safest form of transportation for students.

For more information about NTSB school transportation-related investigations, safety recommendations and presentations, visit the NTSB School Bus Safety page.

The NTSB final reports for the investigations mentioned in this episode are available here.

The previously released podcast featuring Member Graham, is available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of the Behind-the-Scene @NTSB podcast, NTSB Office of Highway Safety Director Rob Molloy, PhD, and Deputy Director Kris Poland, PhD, discuss their journeys to the NTSB and current work. Hear their views on the increase in speed-related crashes, current NTSB highway investigations, new safety recommendations related to vehicle automation, and much more. They also discuss the NTSB #SafetyReminder campaign & share important road safety reminders as the nation resumes normal operations during the pandemic.

The NTSB final reports for the investigations mentioned in this episode are available here.

For more information about NTSB school transportation-related investigations, safety recommendations and presentations, visit the NTSB School Bus Safety page.

The previously released podcast featuring Kris Poland, PhD, is available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt talks about NTSB’s communications, leadership, and operations during this period especially as it relates to our mission. Chairman Sumwalt also discusses how the agency is maximizing the use of virtual platforms to support its day-to-day operations and shares important transportation safety reminders as the nation re-opens.

Chairman Sumwalt’s full bio is available here.

Previously released podcasts featuring Chairman Sumwalt are available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Member Thomas Chapman talks about his journey to the NTSB, his work before joining the Board and what he hopes to accomplish as an NTSB Board member.

Member Chapman’s full bio is available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Member Michael Graham talks about his journey to the NTSB, his work before joining the Board and what he hopes to accomplish as an NTSB Board member.

Member Graham’s full bio is available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Member Jennifer Homendy shares highlights from her first year at NTSB and the transportation safety improvements she hopes are accomplished in 2020. Member Homendy was first featured on the podcast shortly after she began her tenure as the 44th Member of the NTSB in Episode 20.

Member Homendy’s full bio is available here.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Highway Crash Investigators, Ensar Becic and Mike Fox, talk about the 2018 collision between a vehicle controlled by a developmental automated driving system and a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. We explore the findings and safety recommendations that came out of the investigation, as well as the strengths and limitations of automated vehicles and how it impacts highway safety and the importance of safety management systems.

To learn more about the NTSB investigation of the Tempe, Arizona, crash, visit: https://ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/nr20190423.aspx

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

This week is National School Bus Safety Week. The theme this year is “My School Bus, The Safest Form of Student Transportation.” School Bus Safety Week is a public education program hosted by the National Association of Pupil Transportation, National School Transportation Association and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, designed to promote school bus safety and to engage with parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties – to address the importance of school bus safety.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Kris Poland, PhD, Deputy Director, and Sheryl Harley, Highway Investigator, both in the Office of Highway Safety, about recent NTSB crash investigations involving school buses, new safety recommendations related to fire suppression systems and seat belts and why school buses are the safest form of transportation for students to travel to and from school and school-related activities.

To learn more about the NTSB investigation of the Oakland, Iowa school bus fire visit: https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/mr20190618.aspx

To learn more about the NTSB investigations of school bus crashes in Baltimore, Maryland and Chattanooga, Tennessee read the special investigation report available at: https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Pages/SIR1802.aspx

To view the NTSB School Bus Safety Video and to keep up-to-date on NTSB school bus and school transportation related investigations, reports, studies and presentations visit: https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/Pages/schoolbuses.aspx

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

This week is Rail Safety Week. The theme this year, “Stop Track Tragedies,” provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for rail safety education and calls attention to ways to stay safe near highway-rail grade crossings and railroad rights-of-way.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Member Jennifer Homendy and Ruben Payan, Railroad Accident Investigator, Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations, about NTSB investigations and recommendations for staying safe near the tracks, and other rail safety issues.

To learn more about Rail Safety Week visit: https://oli.org/about-us/news/rail-safety-week-2017.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

To catch up on past episodes and to find more ways to listen visit: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

If you have questions about the podcast, or ideas for future topics, feel free to email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Rachel Gunaratnam, a Hazardous Materials Accident Investigator in the NTSB Office or Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations and Frank Zakar, a Senior Metallurgist in the NTSB Office of Research and Engineering, about the natural gas-fueled explosion, on August 10, 2016, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Rachel and Frank talk about the circumstances of the explosion and fire, the probable cause, and the safety recommendations issued to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

To learn more about the NTSB investigation of the Silver Spring, Maryland explosion and fire visit: https://ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/nr20190423.aspx

To read the full accident report visit: https://ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/par1901.aspx

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we have a conversation with Adam Gerhardt, an Air Safety Investigator in the NTSB Office of Aviation Safety. Adam shares with us how he got interested in aviation and the journey he took to get to the NTSB.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

To catch up on past episodes and to find more ways to listen visit: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

If you have questions about the podcast, or ideas for future topics, feel free to email us at [email protected]

This week is Sleep Awareness Week. The theme this year, “Begin with Sleep,” highlights the importance of good sleep health for individuals to best achieve their personal, family, and professional goals.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Mary Pat McKay, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer; Jana Price, PhD, Senior Human Performance Investigator, Office of Research and Engineering; and Jeff Marcus, Acting Chief, Safety Recommendations Division, about our biological need for sleep, the importance of screening for and treating sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, NTSB fatigue-related accident and crash investigations, and ways to address and mitigate fatigue risk across transportation modes.

The NTSB has been long concerned with the issue of fatigue in transportation. We’ve issued more than 200 safety recommendations across the transportation modes directly related to fatigue. Several recommendations specifically address obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Reduce Fatigue-Related Accidents and Require Medical Fitness – Screen for and Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea are issues on the 2019-2020 NTSB Most Wanted List. To learn more about the Most Wanted List and related safety recommendations, visit https://ntsb.gov/safety/mwl/Pages/default.aspx.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

To catch up on past episodes and to find more ways to listen visit: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

If you have questions about the podcast, or ideas for future topics, feel free to email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we have a conversation with Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg. Vice Chairman Landsberg shares with us his passion for safety education and training, his past work to improve aviation safety and the path he has taken to become an NTSB Board Member.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

To catch up on past episodes and to find more ways to listen visit: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

If you have questions about the podcast, or ideas for future topics, feel free to email us at [email protected]

Keep up-to-date by connecting with NTSB on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Nicholas Worrell, Chief of Safety Advocacy and Chris O’Neil, Chief of Media Relations, in the NTSB Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications, about the NTSB Most Wanted List.

https://safetycompass.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2018-10-24-leah-walton-and-stephanie-shaw-interview-nicholas-worrel-and-chris-oneal.mp3

To learn more about the NTSB Most Wanted List visit: www.ntsb.gov/mostwanted

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Kenny Bragg and Rafael Marshall, Senior Human Performance Investigators, in the NTSB Office of Highway, about the collision of a pickup truck and medium-size bus, on March 29, 2017, near Concan, Texas. Kenny and Rafael talk about the circumstances of the crash, the probable cause, and the safety recommendations issued to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

To learn more about the NTSB investigation of the Concan, Texas collision visit: https://ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/HAR1802.aspx.

To view the witness video of the operation of the pickup truck prior to the Concan, Texas collision visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsGsbYTwWbM

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we have a conversation with Board Member Jennifer Homendy. Member Homendy shares with us her passion for transportation safety, her past work to improve rail, pipeline, and hazardous materials safety and the path she has taken to become an NTSB Board Member.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Chairman Robert Sumwalt about Thanksgiving holiday travel and ways to keep you and your loved ones safe whether traveling by air, land, or sea.

To learn more about the NTSB investigation of the gas explosions and fire in Lawrence, Massachusetts, visit: https://ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/pld18mr003.aspx.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with Mike Hiller, Railroad Accident Investigator, Joe Gordon, Rail Safety Investigator, and Paul Stancil, Hazardous Materials Accident Investigator, in the NTSB Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations, about the derailment of a Union Pacific Railroad ethanol train, on March 10, 2017, near Graettinger, Iowa.

To learn more about the NTSB investigation of the Graettinger, Iowa train derailment visit: https://ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/2017-graettinger-ia.aspx.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

It’s been one year since we launched our Behind-the-Scene @NTSB podcast.  As we reflect on the last year and the 16 episodes we’ve shared with listeners so far, we decided to sit down and talk with our podcast host, Erik Strickland.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Erik Strickland, a transportation safety specialist in the NTSB Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications shares with us his transportation journey from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), to NTSB Safety Advocate and now Senior Advisor to NTSB Member Jennifer Homendy.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we chat with some of our summer interns—Keely, a junior at Virginia Tech; Lauren, a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Tim, a senior at the University of Maryland & Alexander, a junior at the University of Michigan. They’ll share how they discovered opportunities at the NTSB and what they learned about transportation safety and our agency’s role in improving it.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we have a great chat with the Managing Director of the NTSB, Dennis Jones. Dennis has been with the Agency for a few years and has held different positions from intern to aviation field investigator to supervisor to chief and now the Managing Director.

He shares with us his transportation journey and some highlights from his career at the NTSB.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we get to chat with Senior Human Performance Investigator, Dr. Jana Price.  March is Sleep Awareness Month and Dr. Price is an expert in the field of fatigue….so we were lucky to have the chance to chat with her.

We all know what sleep is important, but it shouldn’t be an afterthought. Dr. Price tells us why and even shares the reason we feel groggy after a nap (spoiler alert, sleep inertia).

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we get to chat with Career Development Advisor Leslie McClam. She shares with us how she got started at the Agency and the creative programs she has been involved with to support staff development.

We learn that every Agency needs a Leslie! She discusses how lifelong career development is important, and key, to employee engagement. And the more the staff is engaged, the more they enjoy the work they do. Leslie reminds us that everyone at the Agency contributes to the mission to support the improvement of safety in all modes of transportation.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts , on Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we have a chat with Rail Investigator Joey Rhine. Joey shares how he got interested in railroads and the journey he took to get to the NTSB.

He also discusses a few of the investigations he’s been apart of, including the 2015 BNSF derailment in Heimdal, North Dakota.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we have a chat with Safety Recommendation Specialist Mike Hamilton. Mike’s specialty is safety recommendations related to Rail, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials. He gives a glimpse of his passion and interest in the railroad and shares how he has traversed the United States over a dozen times by rail!

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we get to chat with Supervisory Highway Accident Investigator, Jennifer Morrison. She shares with us how she became interested in vehicles and the path she took from breaking down an engine to supervising a team of trained investigators.

In the episode, Jennifer mentions a few crashes she’s investigated and you can find more about them here:

• Fairfield, CT
• Davis, OK
• San Jose, CA

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we have a fun conversation with Mechanical Engineer, Sean Payne. He shares with us his passion for aviation and how he found his way to the NTSB. His simple job description is that he’s one of the “black box” guys, and  has worked on investigations in all modes, including the sinking of the Freight Vessel El Faro. Sean also says the NTSB public docket is a hidden gem, so be sure to visit it.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here.

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we get to chat with Public Affairs Specialist Eric Weiss. He shares with us how he has always had a passion for transportation and how that passion brought him to the NTSB.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we chat with Transportation Disaster Assistance Specialist, Stephanie Matonek. She discusses how she found her passion for the work that she does as part of the TDA team and path she took to get to where she is now. She also has a piece of interesting NTSB history that she shares with us.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we chat with Transportation Research Analysts, Nathan Doble and Ivan Cheung. They share the professional journeys they took to get to the NTSB and discuss their latest report, Reducing Speeding-Related Crashes Involving Passenger Vehicles. 

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we chat with Clint Johnson, Chief of the Alaska Regional Office, in the Office of Aviation Safety. We discuss the importance of general aviation to the communities in Alaska and the impact of the work done by the NTSB. Clint also shares how he became an Aviation Investigator and what got him interested in aviation.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we have a conversation with Board Member Bella Dinh-Zarr. Member Dinh-Zarr shares with us her passion for safety and the path she has taken as a public health scientist who is focused on how transportation safety can prevent injuries and fatalities.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we chat with Board Member Christopher Hart. He shares how he got interested in aviation and the path that led to a pilot’s license and law degree. Join us as he shares his unique experience of serving as a Board Member in the 90’s and then again in the 2000’s.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

In our first “real” episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we chat with Chairman Robert Sumwalt and find out what got him interested in aviation. This interest turned into a passion not just for aviation, but for all transportation. We also talk about his views on leadership and how it can apply to creating strong safety systems.

Get the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or on Google Play.

And find more ways to listen here: https://www.blubrry.com/behind_the_scene_ntsb/

Welcome to the introductory episode of the newest advocacy tool from the National Transportation Safety Board!

Behind-the-Scene @NTSB will be an opportunity for our agency to share the stories of our amazing staff and highlight the exceptional work that is being done to advance transportation. Each episode will feature an interview with NTSB staff. We’ll delve into their transportation career history, discuss interesting investigations or reports that they have worked on, and share how their expertise improves safety.

There are many amazing and interesting facets to the work being accomplished at the NTSB and we look forward to sharing these stories.

Keep up-to-date by connecting with NTSB on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you have questions about the podcast, feel free to email us at [email protected]