Flight Safety Detectives

As Boeing continues to be the subject of investigations and congressional hearings the concept of criminalization has come to the forefront. This could have a devastating impact on aviation safety in the U.S. Special guest and aviation attorney Mark Dombroff focuses on efforts to criminalize the investigation of aviation accidents and incidents. 

The effort to use criminal prosecutions to address aviation safety issues in the U.S. would dramatically impact the process of getting to the facts, including making witnesses more reluctant to come forward with details. Criminalizing will make the safety investigation process more difficult and less effective.

While some in the legal community favor criminalization, it is not the approach used in most of the world. Aviation accident investigation focuses on understanding what happened and how to prevent similar events in the future. A criminal investigation would shift the goals to assigning blame and handing out punishment. 

Several notable past investigations came up during the discussion, including a fatal 2006 midair collision in Brazil involving a 737 and a corporate jet. The corporate jet pilots were detained in Brazil for several months and threatened with prosecution for almost 18 years. When TWA Flight 800 crashed, there was tension over whether the FBI or the NTSB would conduct the investigation. 

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Missing equipment and inexperience led to a plane crash that killed 3. Precipitation, turbulence, and icing were factors in the crash of a Piper PA-30 Comanche in Oklahoma. The pilot did not have an instrument certification and was not able to handle the conditions.

The pilot had a private pilot and multiengine rating but did not have instrument training. Todd Curtis, Miles O’Brien, and John Goglia discuss what may have driven the pilot to fly into deteriorating weather. “Getting there” seems to have been the focus rather than planning and preparation.

The pilot was cruising at about 8,500 feet and climbed to as high as 16,500 feet. While the aircraft could provide supplemental oxygen, the equipment to use that system was not on board.

The pilot likely climbed to escape a storm. He flew to an altitude where supplemental oxygen was required. The plane crashed and all 3 people on board were killed.

Related Documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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The fatal crash of Hughes 369 helicopter being used to trim trees has a backstory that gives insight into what went wrong. This workhorse of a helicopter apparently had damage from previous incidents.

The NTSB investigation found cracks in an engine mount that were likely present before the crash. John Goglia and Todd Curtis look beyond the fatal accident and share three previous investigations involving this helicopter. Two involved a crash with serious structural damage or a hard landing. These events may have stressed the engine mounts. 

The fatal crash happened when the helicopter was in use for an operation that used a large 10-bladed saw to trim trees close to power lines. The helicopter went into a spin and low altitude and crashed, killing the pilot. 

This episode highlights the importance of knowing an aircraft's history. Studying previous events involving a particular aircraft could reveal issues that should be inspected more closely or more frequently. The required 100-hour and 300-hour inspections were completed for the helicopter at the center of this discussion. However, additional inspections would have been smart given the previous accident history of the helicopter.

Related documents are found at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Training flight gone wrong! An examination of a February 2024 accident that involved an unstable approach, a tail strike, and a near collision with an airplane hanger.

Both the instructor and student involved in the Cessna 172 accident survived. Their account of the event provides insights into how a routine training flight turned into a near disaster. The instructor's decision-making created a dangerous situation.

Shortly before landing, ATC redirected the aircraft to a much shorter runway, and the instructor allowed the student to bring in the aircraft too high and too fast. The instructor then allowed the student to land instead executing a missed approach.

After the student put the aircraft on the runway and braked hard enough to lock the brakes, the instructor took control of the aircraft, continued to apply brakes and pulled back on the control column hard enough to cause a tail strike.

The instructor turned onto a taxiway near the end of the runway and took off again, barely missing a nearby hanger. Fortunately, the instructor was able to land the damaged aircraft.

The Australian authorities reference FAA criteria for a stabilized approach in the accident report. The detectives share anecdotes that reinforce the importance of judging whether an approach is stable and being consistent with landing procedures.

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The crew of a United Airlines 727 tried to turn back shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles, but did not make it back to the airport. The plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia discuss the crash of the 727-22QC in 1969. Electrical failures and electrical system design contributed to the plane crash. The accident happened on a night with limited visibility due to the weather.

The aircraft had three electrical generators, but only two were working. Shortly after takeoff, the crew shut down one engine due to a fire warning. That move shut down one of the two working generators.

John discusses the complexities of 727 electrical systems and other aircraft of the era. The NTSB found that total power loss occurred after all the electrical loads were placed on the one remaining generator.

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Oil and oxygen don’t mix on airplanes. A crew doing maintenance on the Air Force One oxygen system ignored safety procedures resulting in $4 million dollars of damage the plane.

The damage was caused by maintenance activity on the oxygen system of a U.S. Air Force VC-25A, a 747 aircraft that regularly flies the President of the United States. This event occurred in 2016.

John Goglia and Todd Curtis share evidence that crew did not follow the VC-25A's aircraft maintenance manual procedures for cleaning the tools, parts, and components before performing leak checks on the oxygen system. 

This is perhaps the highest profile incident of an aircraft damaged due to improper oxygen system maintenance procedures. John notes that failure to follow procedures is the FAA's top cause for maintenance problems in commercial aviation.

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New evidence calls into question the NTSB's conclusions – and our reporting in Episode 193 - about a 2020 midair collision. Video and other information shows that there were two helicopters in the area before the midair collision.

Miles O'Brien, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia revisit the 2020 midair collision of a drone and a helicopter. The NTSB used a video shot by the drone to conclude that a helicopter seen at the beginning of the video later collided with the drone. 

When Todd recently used the video as part of a class he was teaching, he noticed a shadow that he could not explain. That led to lots of sleuthing and the realization of the involvement of a second helicopter. 

Safety concerns arise when one or more helicopters operate around a drone. In addition to this 2020 collision, a midair between two news-gathering helicopters in 2007 that killed everyone on both helicopters.

Miles shares his experiences flying in situations where multiple helicopters are covering a breaking news story. Pilots of manned and unmanned aircraft need to coordinate closely to maintain safe operations.

The NTSB should consider taking a second look and revising its report to address the aviation safety issues uncovered. John shares his experience on the NTSB Board and what it took to reopen an investigation when new information was available.

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https://flightsafetydetectives.com/2020-midair-collision-revisited-episode-221

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Two Piper airplane crashes show that pilots’ bad decisions can have devastating results. This episode covers two avoidable fatal crashes. 

A 1991 accident involves a Piper Seneca in Florida. The NTSB found that the two occupants were partially disrobed and no evidence that either were wearing seat belts or shoulder harnesses. The report makes clear that the two occupants were attempting to join the Mile High Club.

In the second event, a Cessna 150 crashed in 2014 after the pilot took off at night with a very low ceiling. He was taking flash pictures. He crashed shortly after takeoff due to spatial disorientation. The pilot’s decision to fly in deteriorating conditions is similar to errors made by the pilot in the Kobe Bryant Crash.

The pilot had a commercial and an instrument rating but was not current to fly at night or in instrument conditions, a classic case of a VFR pilot taking off in IFR conditions. The visibility conditions were so low that the pilot may not have any chance of landing at the departure airport.

Pilots can be tempted to bend the rules in order to have some fun in the air. These lessons show that the results can be deadly.

Related Documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Coming to you from the 2024 AMC Competition in Chicago! Miles O'Brien, Todd Curtis, John Goglia, Greg Feith, and aircraft mechanic and accident investigator Jason Lukasik share the experience of the competition. Every aspect of aviation maintenance and repair was on display as competitors worked to beat the clock.

This year more than 400 competitors from nearly 90 teams from maintenance schools, airlines, and the military tackled 27 aviation maintenance skills challenges. Hear about the displays of excellence and comradery witnessed at the event.

The high-energy event highlights the critical role of aviation maintenance professionals and gives the participants insights into opportunities in the industry. The event showcases the skill level of the participants. For some, it is a direct path to finding employment in the field.

John, who is one of the founders of the competition a decade ago, shares AMC's plans to expand the competition to more aviation industry conferences. More maintenance teams will be able to take part.

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Special guest Henry Gourdji shares the work of the Laura Taber Barbour Foundation, which presents the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award. The air safety award has been given in recognition of aviation safety leadership since 1956. Recipients include John Goglia in 2020. 

The award grew out of the 1945 crash of a DC3 that killed all 20 crew and passengers, including Laura Taber Barbour. Her family created the award to recognize significant air safety achievements. Henry highlights the ongoing dedicated work of air safety professionals.

John and Henry discuss the international scope of the Laura Taber Barbour Foundation. In addition to the annual awards, the foundation provides scholarships to encourage students to pursue aviation safety careers. 

Todd Curtis and Greg Feith share John’s continued contributions to aviation safety, including the recent AMC Competition in Chicago and a recent U.S. Senate hearing that mentioned his role in preventing accidents like the structural failure of an Aloha Airlines 737 in 1988.

The detectives share their experiences working with younger aviation professionals who have the drive, passion, and capabilities to continue to improve aviation safety.

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Miles O'Brien joins Todd Curtis and John Goglia to discuss two fatal general aviation accidents that involved aircraft that were just out of maintenance. In focus are the decisions and actions pilots and maintenance personnel could have taken to avoid the crashes or make them survivable.

One crash involves a Piper Cherokee on its second flight after an oil pressure line was replaced. The pilot did not do a basic preflight check or notice a five-foot diameter oil stain under the aircraft. The engine failed shortly after takeoff, and the pilot crashed while attempting to make a 180° turn back to the airport. The pilot and a passenger were killed.

In a similar accident, a Piper Arrow on its first flight after maintenance had multiple issues, one involving one of the aircraft's navigation systems and the other involving an oil leak. The pilot contacted ATC about wanting to return because of navigation problems, but soon after, the engine failed. Two people were killed in the crash. The NTSB found that when part of the avionics was replaced, a required gasket was not included. That caused the oil leak that led to the engine failure. 

These disasters could have been avoided with better preflights. The detectives share their experiences and observations of overly casual preflight inspections. Pilots should focus on preflight planning for any non-routine flight and review in detail any work done on an aircraft on its first flight after maintenance.

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https://flightsafetydetectives.com/navigating-the-risks-of-post-maintenance-flights-episode-217

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A Beech Hawker 900XP jet crashed while doing a flight test of a stall warning system. Special guest Miles O'Brien joins Todd Curtis and John Goglia deconstruct the February 2024 aviation incident. 

The accident occurred during a positioning flight that happened after completion of maintenance of the anti-icing component on the leading edge of the wing. The flight crew was performing a required test of the stall warning system. The aircraft lost control and crashed about 11 minutes after takeoff.

Stall tests are often done early in a flight so the crew can easily return to the maintenance facility if an issue is found. However, this crew did not follow standard procedures.

The crew took risks during the flight test, including flying over high terrain with limited visibility due to overcast conditions. The stall characteristics were more intense than what most pilots would experience in a small training aircraft.

This accident is compared to two earlier events. In 1979, a 727 crew had a loss of effectiveness of the flight control system and were barely able to recover the aircraft after a spiral dive and rapid loss of altitude. In the other event, a DC8 crew crashed while conducting a stall test after the aircraft had completed an extensive overhaul and modifications.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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A photo shoot in a dry Nevada lakebed went horribly wrong when the wing of an airplane hit the model in the head. Miles O’Brien, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia discuss the June 2023 accident that involved an Aviate Husky plane.

The pilot, photographer and his wife, who was the model for the photo session, met early on the morning of the accident. On the fly, they planned a complex photo session involving the aircraft flying close to the model. 

The pilot misjudged his approach and the wingtip of the aircraft struck the back of model's head and caused a serious injury. John compares this event to the 1982 fatal accident where actor Vic Morrow and two child actors were killed in a helicopter crash on the set of the Twilight Zone movie. 

Todd shares the pilot's prior experience with similar photo sessions, and compares his approach to the much more structured approach that occurs in professional film and television productions.

Miles and John share personal experiences with risky decision making. For Miles, it was his decision to continue flying with low fuel and landing with little left in his tanks. For John, he recalled a flight over the Atlantic where he had concerns that aircraft would not make it to land, and how he had a sudden interest in the operation of the life raft!

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Home-built aircraft are dangerous. Special guest Miles O'Brien joins Todd Curtis and John Goglia to discuss an August 2023 crash of a Kit Fox Model 3 aircraft that seriously injured the pilot.

The FAA's approach to home-built aircraft allows owners to build their aircraft with little or no direct oversight. The accident rate is more than two times higher than general aviation aircraft.

The pilot did not have a current FAA medical certification or a current endorsement to operate an aircraft as a single pilot. According to the maintenance documentation, in the eight years prior to the accident, the pilot had fewer than three hours of flight time.

Home-built aircraft have advantages such as lower cost of ownership. Kit built aircraft have grown in popularity as more manufacturers enter the market. There are even high schools that build kit aircraft for resale as part of their educational programs.

The safety risks are high. Kit aircraft are certified as experimental aircraft by the FAA. Some have modifications that would not be allowed on other kinds of general aviation aircraft. Little more than a driver’s license is needed to pilot one of these aircraft.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website. 

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An experienced flight instructor and student were killed when stall and spin practice in a Cessna 172 went horribly wrong. Flight data recorded by the aircraft and other evidence shows that the aircraft entered a very steep spiral turn nearly 6,000 above the ground and did not recover.

“They set themselves up for the right conditions. This accident just doesn’t make sense,” John Goglia says.

Todd Curtis and John dig into the November 11, 2021 fatal plane crash. The flight instructor had nearly 15,000 hours of experience in the Cessna 172 and the student pilot had nearly 370 hours in the same make and model. No mechanical fault was found with the plane involved.

Based on information in the student's logbook and the Cessna 172 operating handbook, the student pilot and instructor may have been performing a maneuver associated with obtaining a commercial pilot certificate. Todd, who is also considering the same certification, discusses the requirement that the pilot be familiar with spiral turns. 

Students pursuing a private pilot certificate are not required to perform a spin maneuver, but it is still often part of flight instruction. They advise aspiring pilots to decline optional maneuvers that they think are too risky.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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More than 50 people were injured on March 11 when a Boeing 787 flying from Australia to New Zealand experienced a precipitous drop. John Goglia shares inside information that indicates one of the pilot seats was accidentally moved forward, jamming the pilot up against the control column and causing the sudden drop.

Special guest Miles O'Brien joins Todd Curtis and John Goglia to discuss this and another aviation incident from early March 2024. The second incident occurred on March 7, when a planespotter recorded a video of a wheel falling off of a 777 shortly after takeoff from San Francisco.

The location of the cockpit seat switch in the 787 airplane is examined in detail. John shares first-hand experiences that demonstrate why the information about the March 11 flight is plausible. The event investigation by the Chilean authorities is expected to provide full details.

Todd shares his experiences as a Boeing engineer working on the 777 development program. He and his colleagues identified design changes to deal with potential safety issues, but most of those changes never happened.

John shares his experiences with wheel separation events. He has an informed opinion on how the recent 777 wheel separation event may have happened. The NTSB needs to get to the root cause and provide the public with detailed information about what happened.

The media, including social media, plays a significant role in bringing attention to aviation safety events that were often ignored in the past. 

Are there more aviation safety issues than in years past? John points out issues such as experienced professionals leaving aviation. Todd looks at the impact of increased  availability of aviation data.

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Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the crash of a Joby JAS4 eVTOL aircraft to highlight safety concerns and regulatory challenges. Propulsion units used in eVTOLs pose significant safety risks.

The eVTOL in this crash was being remotely flown during a test flight. The aircraft is powered by six electric motors and is designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and cruise like an airplane. 

John, Greg, and Todd examine how the design of the aircraft, with a unique configuration of six propulsion units, creates several failure modes that don't exist for currently certified passenger-carrying aircraft. While no one was injured or killed in this crash, Greg, Todd, and John explore risks evident in the accident. They call on the FAA to consider these risks during the certification process. 

Several eVTOL manufacturers, as well as some manufactures of large jet transports, are designing their aircraft for either single pilot or autonomous operation. These designs make it difficult to respond to unforeseen emergencies. Greg and John note the crew responses to several past aviation accidents and how a single pilot or an autonomous system may not be able to deal with those situations. 

Related documents are at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the February 9, 2024 crash of a Challenger 604 jet on I75 in Florida. The plane landed on the road, but then crashed into a wall, killing the pilot and copilot. John and Todd discuss why a better outcome was possible.

The jet, which had three crew members and two passengers, was nearing the end of a flight from Columbus, Ohio, when the flight crew declared an emergency to air traffic control. They lost their engines and could not make it to the airport.

Little official information was available at the time of the recording. It was not known whether the aircraft was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder. The engines appear to be intact, which will help with the investigation.

John and Todd compare this accident to a 1997 Southern Airways DC9 crash in New Hope, Georgia. In that accident the crew was able to land on a road, and the aircraft caught fire after running into obstructions near the road.

In both accidents there were survivors among the cabin crew and passengers. Todd and John encourage pilots to assess their options for making an emergency landing so they are prepared to take action if an emergency occurs.

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The helicopter crash that killed the CEO of a major Nigerian bank and his family appears to be the result of similar pilot errors that caused the Kobe Bryant crash and other high-profile accidents. Greg Feith and John Goglia cite several recent accidents that show that poor decisions among pilots who fly for Part 135 operators may be the common contributing factor.

The Flight Safety Detectives explore the known facts surrounding the fatal flight. The forecast called for wintry mix along the flight path and witnesses reported precipitation at the time of the accident. The helicopter may not have been equipped for the conditions. The pilots were following roads, which can cause disorientation issues during night flying.

Greg calls for a new look at regulations that allow Part 135 operators of smaller helicopters to fly without either a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder. The lack of recorders limits information available to accident investigators.

John and Greg discuss their experiences consulting for companies and high net worth individuals who use executive air transportation services. They have found an overall lack of due diligence to ensure the safety of these operations.

Related documents are available at the Flight safety Detectives website. 

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Most general aviation pilots hesitate to declare an inflight emergency fearing negative consequences. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis use a Beechcraft Bonanza plane crash to illustrate how declaring an emergency can be the safest move.

The fatal Beechcraft Bonanza accident in the spotlight of this episode is featured in the book, "Single-Pilot IFR Pro Tips" written by 2019 National CFI of the Year Gary "GPS" Reeves. Known as The Guy in the Pink Shirt, Reeves uses examples from several incidents to illustrate good general aviation pilot habits. 

Reeves uses the Beechcaft Bonanza event to highlight the advantages of not waiting to declare an emergency. The Flight Safety Detectives find that this crash is also a classic example of how oversights and bad habits by the pilot in command can lead to an avoidable accident.

They offer life-saving insights into this aviation disaster. The NTSB found that the cause was an improperly positioned fuel selector lever. Greg shares his own experience dealing with an improperly positioned lever. John recounts accidents involving fuel selector levers, including the crash that killed John Denver. 

Amazingly, John’s experience is that many general aviation pilots have problems with the fuel sector due to not using them at all and never getting a feel for how they operate.

“It’s not like jumping in the car to go to the grocery store,” John says. “Flying is not that simple. You need to do a thorough preflght, every time.”

If the accident pilot had followed Gary Reeves advice to declare an emergency when problems first develop, the pilot would have been able to land safely at an airport. The FAA would have looked at the scenario as prudent decision making and would likely not have taken any action against the pilot.

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Singer Jenni Rivera’s tragic plane crash was a tragic accident and not the result of a conspiracy. This special episode of the Flight Safety Detectives features the January 24 interview Todd Curtis gave on the KIQI radio show “Hecho en California,” about the 2012 crash that killed Jenni Rivera. 

Todd shares with hosts Isabel and Marcos Gutierrez the conclusions shared by the Flight Safety Detectives team after they analyzed the formal accident report that was released by the Mexican government. 

Todd, Marcos, and Isabel discuss several conspiracy theories about the death of Jenni Rivera, and how the facts of the accident report don't support those theories. 

They also cover the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 plug door loss, an event that happened a few weeks prior to the interview.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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The pilot of a Beech Bonanza F33A made an off-field landing when the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. John Goglia, Greg Feith and Todd Curtis dig into the information gathered by the NTSB and find this crash was caused by poor decisions made by the pilot.

Greg, Todd, and John analyze the information from the Public Docket of the crash investigation. They find that the pilot's lack of understanding about the aircraft and its systems contributed a series of decisions that led to the plane crash. 

The pilot took off with the fuel pump on to deal with an overheating problem in two of the six cylinders of the engine. He did this despite a placard advising that the aux pump should not be on during takeoff. 

In the Continental IO-520 engine in this plane, as in many piston engines, airflow cools the cylinders. Common and overlooked, baffles are critical for proper engine cooling. John details his experiences seeing damaged, cracked and improperly installed baffles on engines. 

Greg contrasts the good decision the pilot made top not attempt a return the airport with the bad decisions he regularly encounters when pilots make the hazardous and often fatal decision to make an impossible turn back to the runway.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.
 

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The events that led up to the crash of a MD82 in Detroit are used to illustrate the critical role of operational discipline. Greg, Todd and John give insight into the issues that led to Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashing and disintegrating. This is just one example of bad decisions taking an airplane out of the sky.

This aviation disaster killed two people on the ground and nearly everyone on board. The sole survivor was a four-year-old girl who was seriously injured. Hear the experts dissect the chain of events that led to the crash, including multiple distractions and delays and the crew neglecting to complete the taxi checklist.

The report from the accident does not discuss crew resource management (CRM) practices of the accident flight crew. John discusses how CRM practices were adopted in the 1980s to reduce aviation safety risks by having flight crews become more consistent in managing aircraft operations.

Greg and John showcase other noteworthy accident investigations that are examples of behaviors that had to be changed in the cockpit and how not following basic CRM practices leads to accidents.

Checklist discipline is important in all types of aviation operations, including general aviation. Complex flight management systems that are now common even in single engine general aviation aircraft.

Hear also what passengers can do to improve their safety in flight.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Jenni Rivera was a huge celebrity at the time of her death. Was the plane crash that killed her an accident or do the conspiracy theories point to the real cause? 

In a continuation of the examination of this aviation incident that started in Episode 203, Greg Feith joins John Goglia and Todd Curtis to discuss why the conspiracy theories related to the crash are unlikely to be true. They use the evidence uncovered during the official investigation combined with their knowledge of the accident aircraft to get to the facts.

John, Greg, and Todd compare the Jenni Rivera accident to other accidents that have widely believed conspiracy theories. TWA flight 800 and Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 are two examples. They cover other plane crashes involving celebrities, including the crash that killed Ricky Nelson. 

Maintenance and operational issues were a factor in the Jenni Rivera crash. The same is true for other high-profile aviation disasters including the crash that killed singer Aaliyah. These events have common contributing factors including the involvement of less than reputable charter organizations and issues around bogus aircraft parts. 

Some charter flight operators ignore or violate aviation safety regulations and practices. Proposed safety improvements like better data recorders have been opposed by aircraft operators and manufacturers.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Todd and John analyze the plane crash that killed singer Jenni Rivera. The report from the Mexican accident investigation found that the Learjet 25 aircraft lost control during climb for reasons that could not be determined. 

Key items are missing from the report that concluded that the crash was a loss of control event:

• No analysis results of the flight controls
• No flight data recorder recovered
• No cockpit voice recorder found
• No formal analysis of the pilots 

The In the wake of Rivera's death, there have been ongoing rumors that this event was not an accident, a belief that has been supported by a number of television productions. 

Todd and John examine the facts, data, and analyses contained in the official report. John adds insight into the lax aviation maintenance and compliance common in Mexico.

The wreckage shows no evidence of an explosion or other deliberate action. The level of oversight that the US and Mexican governments typically have over aircraft that are registered in the US and operate in Mexico adds complexity to understanding exactly what happened. 

The Detectives plan a future episode that will focus on the conspiracy theories involving Jenni Rivera's death. They will look at how much, or how little, the facts of the investigation support those theories.

Related documents can be found at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Latest on the Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 737 MAX 9 aircraft plug door separation and rapid decompression. Todd, Greg, and John discuss recent developments, including the recovery of the plug door.

They talk about the value of having the plug door for inspection. They share the sequence of events that led to the door separation based on factual evidence.

The spotlight is now turning to Boeing. Will the company’s future actions keep the CEO’s promise that Boeing will be transparent about what happened?

Hear their insider take on the challenges Boeing may face when it comes to earning confidence that company will correct problems with the 737 MAX. The approach that Boeing has taken in the past may not be adequate to address the quality issues of the 737 MAX.

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Runway images show that the Coast Guard Dash 8 involved in the collision with Japan Airlines Flight 516 was in the wrong place. The crew was to hold on the taxiway, but were actually on the runway. The plane standing still on the center line would have been virtually invisible to the pilots of the JAL Airbus A350. 

The scenario is similar to a runway collision involving US Air Flight 1493 that John investigated as an NTSB Board member. That investigation made midfield takeoffs illegal in the United States.

John, Greg and Todd walk through the known details and the human factors that led to the plane crash. 

• Misunderstanding between the tower controller and the crew of the Dash 8
• Lightning conditions at the runway
• Dash 8 pilot not monitoring the Air Traffic Control radio frequency

Human errors and communication issues contributed to the crash. The episode also covers the role of aviation technology, including the heads-up display in the A350, surface radar/ASDI, and traffic collision avoidance systems (TCAS).

This is a follow up to Episode 198, Expert Insights into the Japan Airlines A350 Aviation Disaster, where noted airport rescue and firefighting expert Jack Kreckie discussed the firefighting response. 

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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United Airlines has reported loose bolts on five of their 737 MAX 9 aircraft plug doors. This is the latest in the unfolding look at what happened in the incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.

John and Greg use insights from their decades of experience inside NTSB and other aviation safety incident investigations to explain the latest developments. They cover the information that has been released so far and what is to come. 

John goes through the steps that aircraft mechanics would have used to address earlier reports of pressurization warnings on this specific aircraft. Mechanics likely would have checked the pressurization system and focused on the hardware. “It wasn’t quite there yet” to escalate to pressurizing the plane to check for leaks.

John and Greg return to earlier discussions of the status of quality inspections at Boeing. The internal safety review that has been reported isn’t the right step to fix safety and quality issues. This latest black eye makes it clear that is time to address manufacturing process issues and “get some good planes out the door.” 

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What happened to Alaska Airlines Flight 1282? What is going on at Boeing? In this special episode, Greg and John provide expert insight into the rapid decompression and inflight separation of an exit door panel on a Boeing 737-9 Max airplane.

The Flight Safety Detectives dissect issues surrounding this incident and the regulatory response that is already happening. They discuss similar incidents, including United Airlines Flight 811 747 near Honolulu where a Boeing 747-122 lost a cargo door.

John and Greg share details that aren’t being discussed in media coverage. They explain the mandatory AD that has been issued by the FAA.

All US-registered 737 MAX 9 aircraft with this type of exit door must be grounded and inspected. The Max fuselage is made by Spirit and provided to Boeing. All the steps in the manufacturing process will be scrutinized as the NTSB investigation proceeds.

This is the latest high profile aviation safety issue involving the 737 MAX. John talks about the inadequate number of quality inspectors and quality safeguards in the Boeing manufacturing process as a potential shortcoming that has led to the issues with the Max. Greg points to some fundamental organizational issues that need to be addressed.

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Airport rescue and firefighting expert Jack Kreckie and the Flight Safety Detectives discuss the January 2, 2024 runway collision between a Japan Airlines A350 and a Japan Coast Guard Dash 8 in Tokyo.

Kreckie shares his inside knowledge of aircraft firefighting techniques and the systems in place to save lives and manage fires. He shares how modern composite materials used on aircraft impact the job of firefighters.

This event is compared with other notable accidents, including the ground collision between a USAir 737 and a Fairchild Metroliner in Los Angeles in 1991 and the crash of an Asiana 777 in San Francisco in 2013.

Hear about the training and safety systems in place that aided firefighters and the flight crew and likely were key factors in the safe evacuation of the aircraft.

See images and related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Todd Curtis and John Goglia analyze an accident that was investigated by the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau, Australia's version of the NTSB. The ATSB report offers comprehensive aviation safety details and insight. John and Todd review the level of detail and compare it to what they find in NTSB reports from similar general aviation accidents.

The Australian accident involved a Cessna 172 aircraft that crashed due to pilot decision making. This was the pilot’s first solo flight using the autopilot system. His confusion led to the fatal plane crash.

John compares the pilot’s decisions in the Australian accident with those of the pilots in the 2000 crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261. In that aviation disaster, the crew decided to keep flying rather than make a precautionary landing.

Todd discusses the steps he takes to avoid making autopilot-related errors in flight. He uses both a laptop-based flight simulator at home and a more sophisticated fixed based simulator to complement his flight training.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Greg Feith and John Goglia review recent general aviation safety issues. Lack of operation discipline is leading to avoidable plane damage insurance claims. Because the claims increase insurance rates, all general aviation pilots are paying a price.

Multiple incidents are shared as examples: planes running over taxi lights, ground collisions with aircraft and other objects, engines started with tow bars attached. John and Greg see a lack operational discipline by general aviation and professional pilots as a root cause of these avoidable incidents.

The issues are not limited to smaller general aviation aircraft. John mentions 2014 fatal accident involving a Gulfstream aircraft where the aircraft operator exhibited operational discipline issues. John and Greg also use as an example the Piaggio elevator separation event mentioned in Episode 196.

Aviation safety depends on pilots having a high level of operational discipline at all times when the plane is moving.

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Pilot and maintenance failures combined to create a dramatic turboprop incident that became a criminal case. John Goglia and Greg Feith explore the incident with a Piaggio aircraft that lost an elevator on the first flight of the day and continued with operations.

The air taxi flight crew landed and flew to next airport without performing a preflight inspection. John and Greg talk about the indications the pilots could have detected to recognize problems even if they could not visually inspect the elevators.

John cites the NTSB investigation of the 2000 crash of an Emery Worldwide Airlines DC-8 as an example of how a pilot may be able to feel the difference in the control response when a flight control surface fails.

The investigation found that maintenance done in response to mandatory AD 28 days before this incident had not been done properly. The nuts holding the elevators in pace were not torqued properly. The plane flew 128 hours with loose hardware.

Adding to this incident, the head of maintenance of the charter company operating the plane took steps to hide evidence from the NTSB and FAA. A criminal investigation led to a fine that put the company out of business and a conviction for the head of maintenance.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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More money than brains? Todd, Greg, and John examine a fatal Bahamas helicopter crash where the pilots’ focus on what their billionaire boss wanted overrode operational discipline.

The 2019 Agusta AW139 helicopter crash at sea killed both pilots and all five passengers. While the crew had flown the route on at least 10 previous occasions, this was their first night flight.

Greg, Todd, and John raise many issues beyond the probable causes listed in the NTSB report:

· Inadequate flight planning

· Lack of a formal safety management system in the company that operated the helicopter

· The long duty day of the flight crew

“There were no mechanical issues. This is all about a lack of planning and poor decision making by the pilots,” John says.

The helicopter CVR does not indicate that the pilots did any of the proper checks for IFR at night. They also were not monitoring their gauges, and seemed to misread the instruments. Fatigue may have been a factor, since the pilots were awakened to make the 2AM flight.

John ends the show by encouraging pilots and aircraft operators to use flight risk assessment tools (FRAT) from the FAA and the NBAA to help prevent accidents.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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A drone and helicopter collide in midair as they cover a desert road race. The crash caused minor damage to the helicopter and major damage to the drone. Todd Curtis and John Goglia dissect the video and NTSB report of the incident involving a Aerospatiale AS350BA helicopter and a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom drone.

John and Todd focus on key safety issues that the NTSB did not raise as they examined the 2020 collision in Johnson Valley, California. Operating helicopters and drones in the same low altitude airspace created significant safety risks that neither pilot appeared to take into account.

A video from the drone documents the midair collision. John and Todd share expert analysis of the safety issues revealed in the video. They find that both pilots made hazardous moves that were outside regulations.

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Oil leaks don’t just happen. When they do, they should trigger a close look at the engine. John Goglia and Todd Curtis share this advice after digging into the fatal crash of a Cessna Centurion after the owner and his passenger made unscheduled repairs on the oil system.

The experienced pilot and passenger lost oil in fight and landed to add more. Surprisingly, there is no evidence that they did any kind of inspection of the engine. Witnesses present when they took off again say they did not do an engine runup. They also reported hearing odd engine noises as the plane took off.

Todd and John discuss how the decisions made by the pilot were the primary cause of this plane crash. Secondary to that was the in-flight engine failure experienced shortly after takeoff.

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A pilot doing his first banner tow with a Piper PA25 crashed and died. Todd and John examine this devastating banner tow plane crash. They urge pilots to educate themselves about all types of flight operations.

NTSB reports are a good resource, but more data is often available online. Images and videos taken by other pilots and the public and websites like FlightAware can help the effort to understand what is needed for aviation safety in all types of flight operations.

The 2019 plane crash in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the center of the episode happened to a new tow pilot who had less than an hour's worth of flight time towing a banner. Inexperience and a lack of training led to this aviation disaster.

Banner towing has long been an attractive job for pilots looking to build flight hours. Unfortunately, accidents are common in towing operations. Todd and John offer options for new pilots to increase their understanding of the risks that come with banner towing and other types of commercial flight operation.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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A former major league pitcher who had a Hall of Fame career died when doing stunt-type maneuvers in his plane. Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss Roy "Doc" Halladay’s risk-taking behavior that led to the November 2017 crash of the Icon A5 light sport aircraft he was piloting.

The plane crash occurred when Halladay was executing aggressive maneuvers at low altitudes over the waters near Clearwater, Florida. The NTSB investigation showed that Halladay had drugs in his system that would have likely impaired his decision-making ability.

John sums up Halladay’s actions as “absolutely crazy.” Todd notes that the bad decision making started long before he got into the cockpit that day.

Pilots, mechanics, and others in the aviation community have a responsibility to act when others are making decisions or taking actions that put themselves and others at risk in the air. These actions may save lives and avoid aviation disasters.

Related documents are available at https://flightsafetydetectives.com/major-league-pitcher-halladays-flight-stunts-lead-to-death-episode-190

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The recent event where an off-duty airline pilot who was flying in an airplane jump seat allegedly tried to shut off the engines leads to a discussion of crimes in the air. John and Todd talk about several examples of criminal aviation disasters.

In the October 2023 event, a Horizon Air Embraer E175 airliner carrying dozens of passengers from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco was endangered. An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot reported he had taken “magic mushrooms” 48 hours before the incident where he tried to disable the engines in flight.

Todd and John compare this event to other events where pilots deliberately crashed aircraft. They contrast the U.S. policy of publishing official reports of criminal aviation events with the policies of other countries. They also discuss how practices and policies related to jump seat use have changed over time.

Contributing to these disasters may be medical privacy laws. The pilot certification process now relies on self-reporting of medical issues. Since many conditions would disqualify an individual from flying, there is incentive to not report all issues. John argues that changes are needed that would both protect the flying public and the privacy and careers of pilots who may have medical issues.

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An experienced pilot and mechanic made risky decisions, causing a plane crash that killed himself and a passenger. Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the 2021 crash and the many decisions made that compromised aviation safety.

The pilot was flying a recently purchased Piper PA24 Comanche that had been grounded for the previous 15 years. The accident pilot was an experienced and certified FAA mechanic. He had extensive experience flying Piper aircraft, but no significant experience flying the model of the accident aircraft.

Todd and John question the decision-making process of the accident pilot. Although the engine was sputtering, he took off. Although he was an experienced mechanic, he apparently did not do a full inspection of the engine. He attempted the “impossible turn,” a u-turn back to the airport that almost always results in stalling the plane.

John and Todd review the information in the NTSB report of the accident. They highlight the aviation safety practices that could have avoided this crash.

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Not too long ago, anyone who reported a UFO, or UAP as they are called today, was deemed crazy. The most likely follow up was a psychiatric exam. John Goglia and Todd Curtis report on the growing effort to systematically record and analyze these events.

A September 2023 NASA report from an independent study team recommended that NASA use the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to support U.S. government efforts to understand unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) and the effect on aviation safety. John and Todd offer detail on why the ASRS is an ideal tool for the job.

“Something is going on,” John says. “It is time we get a handle on it.”

John and Todd also review previous Flight Safety Detectives episodes that discuss UAP events and the U.S. government's evolving efforts to understand UAPs.

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Special guest former NTSB Board Member Richard Healing and Greg Feith and John Goglia cover the recent fatal crash involving Richard McSpadden. McSpadden was executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Institute and a true champion of aviation safety.

“Richard contributed a lot to aviation safety, especially on the general aviation side,” Feith shares.

The number of accidents involving flight instruction is sky high right now. Healy discusses his ongoing work in researching aviation safety issues involving training flights. Among the findings – an alarming number of accidents caused by flight instructor error.

The discussion focuses on issues of operational discipline. From their days at the NTSB to current investigations, John, Greg and Dick have all found that neglecting the rules is a leading cause of flight issues.

They make the case for some form of flight data recording in flight instruction aircraft. The investment could help instructors learn and provide better aviation safety data.

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People have seen unexplained objects in the skies for decades. The US Government and other entities are finally discussing these events publicly, an important development for aviation safety.

“These events have an impact on flight crews and systems and are important to look at,” says Todd Curtis.

Now falling under the classification, unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), these events have been cited by the US Government as impacting national security and public safety. Todd and John discuss how these events impact aviation safety.

The episode looks at the July 2023 hearing in the US House of Representatives that included testimony from three military veterans who either witnessed or investigated UAP events. John and Todd share their perspectives on the aviation safety aspect of UAP issues, including the difficulty of understanding what may be behind these phenomena when there are few trustworthy sources of information.

Related documents are available at flightsafetydetectives.com

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The sheer number of helicopter accidents in the last six months is raising safety alarms. Todd Curtis and John Goglia focus on the conditions that helicopter pilots, and specifically medical helicopter operations, experience.

John and Todd examine the relatively frequent accidents around the U.S. involving medical helicopters. The show starts with a deep analysis of events around the August 28 crash of a medical helicopter in Pompano Beach, Florida. A video of the crash was shared online shortly after the crash.

They compare the ongoing investigation of the Pompano Beach crash with another medical helicopter crash from 2017. Maintenance issues, flight conditions, and operating in areas with obstacles all play a role. In the case of ambulance operations, a sense or urgency also comes into play.

NTSB investigations and resulting reports often leave questions unanswered. Todd and John make the case that more thorough reports can help improve safety of helicopter operations.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Here’s a true aviation stinker ripped from the headlines! Todd and John discuss a recent event where a Delta A350 traveling from Atlanta to Barcelona had to return to Atlanta due to an uncontained diarrhea event involving a passenger.

On to more serious aviation safety topics, they discuss in detail the March 1991 crash that killed the backup band for country and western music legend Reba McEntire. The pilots were flying out of an unfamiliar airport at night over mountainous terrain when the aircraft hit a mountain. All on board were killed.

This accident is a great illustration of the importance of preflight planning and preparation. Todd shares the sequence of a recent flight where he altered course based on information he had about mountainous terrain ahead. John stresses the need for pilots to take time to make themselves aware of the flight path from begging to end so they can make smart decisions in flight.

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A recent gender reveal party turned tragic when the Piper ag plane used crashed and killed the pilot. John, Greg and Todd observe that the plane appeared to be poorly maintained. They share insight into the reasons why these types of commercial planes need special maintenance attention.

The flight safety detectives focus on a recent report from the European aviation authority about bogus airplane parts. The report highlights efforts to track down suspected unapproved parts that could have been installed on CFM56 engines on popular airline models including the 737 and A320.

Greg shares the details of a 1985 helicopter crash that killed five people and was caused by the use of unapproved parts. John shares stories from his experience, including work on a FAA suspected unapproved parts working group.

They conclude that the issue of fraudulent and bogus parts will continue to crop up periodically, requiring ongoing training on proper documentation and paperwork related to parts. They note that the risk is particularly high in places where governmental authorities don’t have strong oversight programs.

This episode also includes appreciation for Jimmy Buffet, an avid general aviation pilot. Buffet survived two plane crashes and was an advocate for aviation issues.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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The discussion of unidentified anomalous phenomena – UAP – continues as Todd and John look at the record of JAL Flight 1628. The 1986 UAP event was investigated in detail by the FAA. The investigation could serve as a model for how the U.S. government could systematically examine current UAP events.

The event involved a large unknown craft that was seen by the flight crew and tracked by radar. It was larger than anything that was known to be able to fly at the height and speed that was documented.

The FAA documented and shared findings with government officials. No public information was shared on any further analysis or conclusions.

Todd and John also answer a viewer’s question about how to become an NTSB investigator. They share a range of opportunities, including building a career in air accident investigation within the FAA, other U.S. government agencies, the military, private industry, and academia.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Aerobatic fun led to tragedy in the fatal plane crash that killed composer James Horner. His aerobatic maneuvers in a high performance Tucano aircraft ended with a high speed crash in the canyons of California.

Horner wrote music for dozens of movies, including Titanic, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and Avatar. Horner was the sole occupant of a high-performance Tucano turboprop aircraft. He crashed while performing a number of low-level maneuvers.

John and Todd discuss the findings of the accident report. They ask key questions about the accident that were not answered by the NTSB.

The report does not indicate whether Horner, who had nearly 900 hours of flight experience and nearly 80 hours in the make and model of the accident aircraft, had experience performing the kinds of maneuvers performed during the accident flight.

Take a closer look at this tragic accident to learn how to bring aviation safety into your flight plan!

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Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the risks of aviation thrill-seeking. They look at aviation disasters from the NTSB database that involve experiences outside of standard FAA regulations.

The FAA allows certain commercial operators to offer voluntary high-risk experiences to the general public. “Top Gun” aerobatic rides, balloon flights, and sight-seeing flights are some examples. Existing rules allow for a wide range of leeway in FAA approval for these types of flights. Oversight may be minimal.

They evaluate a plane crash where a thrill ride resulted in the loss of the aircraft and crew. The high-impact collision occurred in Four Corners, California.

Anyone considering one of these experiences needs to consider the aviation safety risks involved. Thrill seeking can be a deadly experience.

John and Greg also share insights from AirVenture 2023, including new safety products from various manufacturers and concerns about the insurance needs of older pilots.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia interview historian and author S.C. "Sam" Gwynne, about his latest book, "His Majesty's Airship." The book tells the story of the crash of the British R101 in France in 1930.

The book discusses how the airship R101 was a key part of the British government's plan to cut by more than half the time it took to travel to distant parts of its empire such as Australia and India. The R101 crashed during its first commercial flight.

The aviation disaster killed 48 people. Among those lost was the commander of the airship, who 11 years before had also been the first person to command an airship on a round trip journey across the Atlantic.

While the Hindenburg disaster is better known, this tale has many intriguing impacts on the evolution of rigid airships and aviation safety.

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Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the use of carbon fiber in the Boeing 787 airplane and the Titan submersible. Prompted by listener questions, they explain why the carbon fiber is subjected to completely different – and riskier - conditions in the case of the sub that got international attention when it imploded on June 18, 2023.

The Titan accident is under investigation by American and Canadian authorities. The submersible used a novel design that included using carbon fiber to construct a major portion of the hull.

Todd and John compare the use of carbon fiber in a submersible compared to the use in aircraft, specifically the 787. They explain the radically different effects that a rapid decompression would have on an airliner at cruising altitude versus a catastrophic implosion in the depths of the ocean.

They also compare the unique design of the Titan with more traditional submersible designs. Two aspects that get the attention of these safety experts:

• Lack of a way to get in our out without removing bolts
• The vessel was not built in compliance with existing standards

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A F28 airliner crashed shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport due to icing that degraded the lift on the wings. Just 3% leading edge wing contamination would have been enough to cause this aviation disaster.

Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia highlight the safety findings related to the 1992 plane crash of USAir Flight 405. The aircraft had no devices to keep the leading edge of the wing clear in the cold and snowy weather conditions. The crash caused 27 fatalities.

John shares firsthand knowledge of the deicing procedures in place in 1992. Those procedures have have changed, in part because of this accident.

Greg, Todd, and John compare this plane crash with similar events to provide insights related to this aviation disaster. The result is valuable aviation safety insight for pilots, mechanics and anyone involved in aviation today.

Find related documents and more at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Dollars over lives? Greg Feith and John Goglia discuss Part 135 and “Part 134 ½” charter operations. They offer numerous aviation safety benefits of being (and using) a properly certificated charter company. It costs more but leads to safer operations.

John and Greg cover the plane crash of Lear 25A in Teterboro, New Jersey to illustrate the value of proper charter operations. They review key findings of the NTSB report, including the lack of planning for a short repositioning flight and lax enforcement of Part 135 rules.

The first officer was only cleared to act as second in command of this flight, but the captain allowed the first officer to fly all but the last 15 seconds of the flight. At that point of the flight, the aircraft was in an unstable approach, and crew actions allowed the aircraft to stall and crash short of the runway.

Hear how increased use of flight data recorders with quick access recorder capabilities can help Part 135 operators as well as safety investigators improve the aviation safety of charter flights. John and Greg argue the equipment can help avoid aviation disasters.

Related documents available at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

NTSB Accident Report 2017 Lear 25A crash in Teterboro, NJ
NTSB Accident Report 2001 King Air OSU basketball team
NTSB Accident Report 2004 Dick Ebersol fatal crash
Public Docket

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A flight instructor chose to have a pilot take his first flight in an airplane into a special use airport and the result was a different learning experience than planned. The aircraft experienced a hard landing that led to a fracture of the right wing spar.

Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss this accident in Puerto Rico that involved a Britten-Norman Islander aircraft. The instructor pilot chose to take a new pilot on his very first flight with the airline to a small airport that had a very challenging approach.

The new pilot was a highly experienced 737 pilot who had no recent experience flying this aircraft model. The instructor allowed the new pilot to continue the approach even though the aircraft was about 100 feet above approach altitude shortly before landing.

The Flight Safety Detectives question the instructor pilot's decision to choose this challenging approach for the transitioning pilot's first flight with the operator as well as the decision to allow the landing to continue. Also discussed is the NTSB's decision to not investigate or nor report key issues about events leading up to the crash, including the aircraft operator's training and procedures.

Related documents at the flight safety detectives website:

• NTSB Aviation Investigation Final Report
  pdf
• NTSB Airworthiness Factual Report
  pdf
• NTSB Form 6120 Accident or Incident Report
  pdf
• NTSB Docket Culebra pilot interview
  pdf
• Operator Training Manual
  pdf
• Aircraft operator CPX Airport Training Materials
  pdf
• NTSB Public Docket

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This episode dives into the design and maintenance of aircraft cargo doors. Many aviation safety incidents with cargo doors are documented as maintenance issues, but some have caused notable air crashes.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia focus on the 1989 plane crash of an Evergreen International Airlines DC9. The first officer did not properly close the main deck cargo door. The door came open shortly after takeoff, which led to a loss of control and a crash.

John shares his long history dealing with cargo door issues. He shares how door engineering has evolved over time. He also explains the rush to convert passenger aircraft to cargo aircraft that came about in the 1980s due to many airlines getting into the air cargo business.

Todd and John discuss several aviation disasters involving cargo doors, including one involving a United Airlines plane near Honolulu.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• NTSB Accident Report Evergreen International Airlines Flight 17
• NTSB Accident Report United Airlines Flight 811
• UK Accident Report THY Flight

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Some flight plans have aviation safety risks baked in. Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss a runway excursion accident involving a student pilot who in the same flight was attempting to satisfy both a night currency requirement and a 250 nautical mile training flight requirement for an instrument certification.

The plan literally went off track during the attempted takeoff at the fourth stage of the flight plan.

“They bent some metal, no one was injured, but there is a lot to learn from this incident,” John says.

The original plan involved a flight of well over 400 nautical miles of night flying, well exceeding the training requirement. The plan also involved landing and takeoff at two busy airports. Due to traffic, weather, and fueling station issues, two unplanned fuel stops were added.

Todd and John talk about the decisions made before this flight began that created unnecessary safety risks. Among the takeaways was the need to make better flight plans and to change those plans as circumstances unfold.

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You had to be there to know the full story of the plane crash of USAir Flight 5050. John Goglia was, and he shares the experience.

Todd Curtis and John discuss the fatal 1989 crash of USAir Flight 5050 at La Guardia Airport in New York. John directly participated in the accident investigation as a mechanic with USAir. He shares accident investigation details well beyond the official report.

The extraordinary amount of media attention around the accident and the flight crew impacted the sequence of events. The reported “missing pilots” were only missing to the media, having been moved away from the scene by investigators to protect them from the frenzy. John also reveals how the media got recordings of investigation team status meetings.

Hear details behind key findings:

• Taking off with an improperly trimmed rudder
• Misuse of the autobraking and auto throttle systems
• Crew fatigue and other human factors

John developed an ongoing relationship with the first officer on the flight, who became a fierce advocate for aviation safety. He notes that aviation disasters have a profound impact on the people involved.

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The fiery plane crash that killed Christian music star Keith Green and 11 others resulted in safety lessons for every pilot. The NTSB accident report also has safety takeaways for anyone who rents or uses aircraft and pilots that are not their own.

Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia talk about the circumstances of the fatal 1982 air crash. The thorough NTSB accident investigation (NTSB_FTW82AA299_Keith_Green.pdf) documents the roles that the overloaded and unbalanced aircraft and the pilot’s experience played in the tragedy.

Greg and John compare the detailed findings in this report with the more superficial summaries that are the norm for today’s NTSB accident reports. This report contains valuable aviation safety findings that can help pilots avoid similar mistakes.

• Importance of preflight planning and inspection
• Need to check and verify loaded aircraft weight and balance
• Understanding aircraft performance data

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The NTSB has a message for mechanics – pay attention to B-nuts! Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia dig into NTSB Safety Alert 086, which highlights four accidents that were caused in part by improperly tightened b-nuts.

Small parts led to big problems. Two of the accidents were fatal.

They focus on one accident that involves a very experienced pilot who also performed maintenance on the accident aircraft. The Bell 206 helicopter crashed following a fuel leak. The NTSB found that when he did maintenance on the aircraft, he failed to properly torque the nut.

Failure to follow defined procedures in the maintenance hangar and in the cockpit is the leading cause of aviation accidents. The pilot in this accident was fortunately able to walk away from the accident caused by not following the engine repair steps outlined by Rolls Royce.

The Flight Safety Detectives offer advice and details not found in the NTSB report and safety bulletin to help every pilot and mechanic avoid similar issues. Of the “dirty dozen” workplace mistakes, John believes complacency is the most prevalent and dangerous.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• NTSB Incident Report, NTSB_Incident_Report_ERA21LA023_102161
• NTSB Aviation Investigation Final Report, NTSB_Final_Report_ERA21LA023.pdf
• NTSB Safety Alert 086
• FAA Avoid the Dirty Dozen Workplace Mistakes, FAA_Avoid_the_Dirty_Dozen.pdf
• Rolls-Royce Maintenance Manual Excerpts, Rolls-Royce_maintenance_manual_excerpts.pdf
• NTSB Public Docket for Accident ERA21LA023

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Aviation maintenance professionals are critical to safety. John Goglia helped put the spotlight on aviation maintenance and safety programs at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University recently. John did a presentation on Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day and witnessed first-hand some safety operations in place at the university.

Greg Feith also reviews lessons learned from the fatal June 1999 crash of American Airlines Flight 1420 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The NTSB investigation showed the role that being in a rush played in the crash that involved 9 fatalities.

• A rush to beat 2 converging thunderstorms
• A rush to finish within duty hour limits
• A rush to maintain the flight schedule

Greg shares important research that provides insight into why the pilot may have made the decisions that led to this air crash.

NTSB Final Report

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A pilot’s report of 40% engine power is just one of many unexplained facts in the NTSB report of a crash involving a modified Cessna 150. The banner-towing flight crashed while attempting to land in Riverside, California.

Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss a Cessna 150 banner tow plane accident where the pilot had engine issues shortly before landing and made an emergency landing near the airport. They discuss unusual decisions made by the pilot, including taking off in challenging weather conditions and trying to restart the engine while in the airport traffic pattern.

The NTSB left out key details and findings in the accident report. The probable cause does not explain why the plane crashed. Fuel starvation is cited, yet there was fuel on board.

Related document: NTSB Accident Report

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Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the role of pilot decision making in a crash of a Cessna 152 in Florida. The pilot decided to do some practice flying at night and under low visibility conditions with deadly results.

The NTSB investigation of the 2015 fatal crash did not seriously investigate several apparent issues, including the quality of the accident pilot's training and English language proficiency. Hear the recording with Air Traffic Control to get a sense of the severe communication issues that occurred.

Like many accidents, the trajectory of this accident was set before the pilot took off. John, Todd and Greg talk about a series of poor decisions and inappropriate actions.

The Flight Safety Detectives find that the NTSB didn’t ask the right questions as they investigated this accident. The result is a report that lacks important safety findings.

Related documents can be found at the Fligth Safety Detectives website.

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Commercial space operations pose significant aviation safety challenges. Safety systems and processes need to evolve to meet the demands of new technologies and approaches. John Goglia and Todd Curtis discuss human factors issues with experimental aircraft.

They examine the single commercial space accident in the NTSB database. The investigation looked at the 2014 inflight breaking of Scaled Composite's SpaceShip Tow spacecraft over the Mojave Desert. A disconnect between how engineers expected the aircraft to be operated and pilot behavior in the cockpit appears to be at the root of this accident. They look particularly at assumptions made about how the flight crew would manage critical spacecraft systems.

John shares takeaways from his review of other accidents involving test and experimental aircraft. A common thread is that during the development of these aircraft, assumptions are generally made about the crew that will fly them.

They talk about how innovations in commercial space challenge the FAA to set proper guidelines for testing. And, how the persistent need to consider human factors in aviation is a thread that traces back to the earliest days of flight.

Related document at the Flight Safety Detectives website: NTSB Accident Report

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John Goglia, Greg Feith, and Todd Curtis discuss the 1985 crash of an Eastern Airlines 727 in the mountains of Bolivia. Greg was an on-site NTSB investigator for the crash that was the start of one of the worst commercial aviation accident years in history.

Greg led an expedition to the Andes Mountains to attempt to retrieve the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. He offers a preview of a two-hour documentary that will focus on the accident.

They also discuss a variety of ground incidents that have led to injuries and fatalities on the ramp. One in Washington DC involved a baggage handler who walked into a propeller. In another, another ground crew was killed by an airplane engine.

Greg and John worked an accident in El Paso, Texas where a mechanic working on an engine cowling was killed. His hat came loose and he was sucked into the engine.

They share lessons that everyone who works around airplanes should follow. Ground equipment, jetways and ramps all present situations that demand safety awareness.

Related documents can be found at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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John Goglia, Greg Feith, and Todd Curtis share news from the 2023 Aerospace Maintenance Competition held during MRO Americas in Atlanta. More than 80 maintenance teams from around the world participated in this year’s competition.

John is a long-time organizer of the event, and Todd is involved in human factors aspects of the competition. Competitors tackled 26 testing areas.

Also on hand were some big names in commercial aviation. Many job offers were made onsite. Competitors demonstrate the skills airlines need to support quality maintenance programs.

The Flight Safety Detectives discuss all the opportunities that the competitors have at the event, particularly students in aviation maintenance technician training programs. Hear why this year featured a special energy that made it the best competition yet.

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Important reminder - wake turbulence can be dangerous. It moves with the wind and can be hard to avoid without great care. John Goglia and Todd Curtis look at two aviation safety events that illustrate what happens when pilots experience wake turbulence.

Both incidents under discussion involve certified flight instructors (CFIs). They illustrate issues with decision making and the skill needed to avert major disaster.

One incident is from a NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) report. The second is from an NTSB incident report. Neither resulted in damage or injury, but both had the potential to be serious or catastrophic accidents.

Listen as they focus on the aviation decision-making challenges posed by wake turbulence. Sometimes, unanticipated events unfold in flight that require quick decisions to avoid high-risk situations. John and Todd drive the point home with their personal experiences.

Related resources can be found at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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The air crash that killed R&B singer Aaliyah had more safety holes than swiss cheese. John Goglia and Todd Curtis examine at the Bahamian authority report of the 2001 event.

Eight passengers and a pilot were onboard the Cessna 402B charter flight. John and Todd discuss the details of the accident report and the multiple organizational issues of the aircraft operator.

They find that shoddy airline operations are at the center of the cause of this event. They talk about the specific shortcomings that involve everything from pilot verification, to aircraft maintenance to illegal operations.

John and Todd talk about the management oversight and systems needed to safely operate a charter airline. They also cover the responsibility of people booking these flights to check out who they are working with.

Related resource at the Flight Safety Detectives website: AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT FSI FILE # A0619836 (PDF)

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Todd Curtis is just back from exploring the future of air transportation on display at SXSW in Austin, Texas. He and John Goglia talk about newcomers Jove and EVE, electric and hydrogen engines and more. Plus, they answer listener questions.

They highlight aviation safety issues brought by new technology and aviation innovations. They cover everything from cockpit design to countering perceptions created by the Hindenburg crash.

Pilot training, maintenance capabilities, and regulations will all need to evolve as we move toward a time of advanced air mobility.

“New technology will need to meet old rules,” John observes. Innovators will have to work with regulators in addition to solving technical challenges.

Listener questions include flying into clouds, FOIA requests, airport access and more.

Related resources at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• Logbook mentioned in the section on FOIA report findings for NTSB accident
• NTSB accident report related to FOIA request FOIA-2022-00453
• The Hindenburg crash video featured in the episode

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The crash of a Pilatus PC-12 this February 24 killed all five aboard. John Goglia and Greg Feith use their investigation prowess to examine whether the air crash was caused by pilot loss of control or structural inflight breakup that led to loss of control.

Greg and John discuss the preliminary NTSB accident report and analyze ADS-B data from the flight. They review the facts that show why this accident is likely more than a case of spatial disorientation.

The crash was the third fatal accident for air ambulance provider Guardian Flight. Investigators will need to get a true picture of the event through data and weather analysis, examination of the wreckage, and detailing the sequence of events starting well before takeoff.

Greg walks through ADS-B data that indicates the initial climb initially appeared normal. At about 18,000 feet, the speeds and heading diverge from normal. Soon after, the plane goes into a spiraling pattern. The data will need to be correlated with the physical evidence collected to create an accurate scenario.

“Looking at the data threw up red flags for me. We need the facts, conditions and circumstances to properly analyze what happened,” Greg says.

Related resources at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• NTSB Flickr album of still photos of investigation
• NTSB video of on-scene investigation
• ADS-B data from adsbexchange.com

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A Cessna 441 Conquest had an engine issue and landed without incident. A fix was made, but that’s not the end of the story. A second incident occurred that revealed damage not initially discovered. The Flight Safety Detectives share major safety takeaways from this sequence of events.

The focus is on an Australian investigation of a 2021 incident. During some engine maintenance, two adjacent oil lines were transposed. The error was discovered when the engine did not operate properly in flight. A field repair was done, but a short time later there was another engine problem.

The transposed lines led to damage to the oil pump. Fortunately, neither engine incident caused an accident.

This incident would not have met the NTSB criteria for investigation, but the Australian ATSB did gather information and generate a report. That report highlights how seemingly small maintenance errors can cause larger problems.

John Goglia, Todd Curtis, and Greg Feith review the findings. They go beyond the general recommendations made by the ATSB and discuss specific maintenance procedure changes that could improve aviation safety.

Related document: ATSB Aviation Occurrence Report: ATSB Report AO-2021-039 Cessna Conquest.pdf

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The Flight Safety Detectives examine the preliminary accident report from the fatal January 2023 crash of a Yeti Airlines ATR 72. They discuss professionalism and crew resource management as the central cause.

“Pilots needs to execute with purpose,” Greg Feith says. “That means that before you do or touch anything in the cockpit you have to be clear about your purpose.”

Greg, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia share possible reasons why the flight crew made fundamental errors that allowed the aircraft to stall and crash shortly before landing. For them, the crash may become a great case study for the importance of paying attention and professionalism.

The flight crew was a captain getting familiarization training with a new airport and a training captain. John highlights the many tasks being covered by the training captain and makes a case for the need for a third crew member in the cockpit.

The preliminary report shows that the training captain grabbed the wrong levers during approach. Neither pilot reacted well to the resulting flight issues. Human factors and poor communication are large contributors to the resulting crash.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• Yeti Airlines Preliminary Report: Yeti-Airlines-15-Jan-2023-Preliminary-Report.pdf
• NTSB Accident report KAL flight 801: KAL_flight_801.pdf

This episode also includes discussion of the acting FAA administrator’s effort to put together a panel to study aviation safety. John, Greg and Todd talk about the types of people who need to participate to get an accurate picture of what is happening with aviation safety.

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Major League Baseball player Cory Lidle was killed when he flew his Cirrus SR20 into a building alongside the East River in New York. The accident shows the consequences of failure to do preflight planning and poor aeronautical decision making.

Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the circumstances around the October 11, 2006 crash. The aircraft was on a VFR flight beneath the Class B airspace around Manhattan Island. Lidle and his passenger, who was a certificated instructor pilot, were unable to negotiate a turn over the East River, and were killed after striking a building.

They talk about the need for flight planning to deal with the challenging circumstances presented by wind, tall buildings and restricted air space. Calling the conditions challenging but not impossible, they focus on many options to avoid the fatal crash.

This NTSB report on this accident is full of detail. Investigators, along with the Flight Safety Detectives, were left puzzled by why the pilot did not take advantage of options available to avoid the crash.

Related documents:

• NTSB Accident Brief: Lidle_SR20_2006_brief.pdf
• FAA AC 60-22 Aeronautical Decision Making: FAA-AC 60-22 - Aeronautical Decision Making 1991-12-31
• PUBLIC DOCKET: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=64679

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Vintage airframes are creating modern-day safety issues. Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the recent P63 -B17 crash at a Texas air show as one example. They also examine a 2020 crash of a Vietnam era UH-1H helicopter that crashed during fire suppression operations.

The Flight safety Detectives talk about the challenges of keeping older airframes safe. Metal ages and fatigues. Maintenance records are less clear. The people with in-depth experience with these aircraft become scarce.

They talk about the many facets the FAA will need to consider as the agency reassesses the proper use of old war birds and other vintage airframes for non-commercial uses.

They also discuss the acceptability of risks associated with airshow aircraft and firefighting aircraft.

Related document: NTSB Accident Number WPR20LA211 Report (PDF)

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Music License Codes: ASLC-2042A62C-B9C4CBFFD, ASLC-1F1B3E23-E378DB5384

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Words matter. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss several aviation incidents with a common thread of communication issues.

They cover two runway incursions that were dangerously close to becoming runway collisions. One was at JFK Airport in January 2023, and the second in Austin in February 2023. These air carrier events are an opportunity to look phraseology and communication as factors in aviation safety.

The Flight Safety Detectives talk about the importance of investigators looking at cockpit communication issues and human factors issues in these incidents. In both, they suspect that little things like the words used and distractions could have caused major safety issues.

They also discuss the February 2023 shootdowns of a balloon and three as yet unidentified aerospace vehicles.

Join John, Greg and Todd for this roundup of several recent aviation safety issues that highlight the role that words – the right words, the wrong words, and misunderstood words – play in keeping people and planes safe.

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“A sloppy operation all around.” That’s John Goglia’s summary of a helicopter and truck accident that’s the subject of this episode. John counts 19 operational errors listed in the accident report that all contributed to the crash that destroyed a police helicopter.

John and Todd Curtis share insight and amateur video that provide a close look at the 2020 ground collision in Brazil. The helicopter was operating on a public road while traffic was passing both in front of and behind the aircraft.

Many operational procedures were in place to avoid such an accident. Unfortunately, they were not followed.

John and Todd cover the many ways that this accident could have been avoided. They talk about the value of following procedures to eliminate or reduce unnecessary risks.

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John Goglia and Todd Curtis discuss a recent event where an A320 lost part of its left elevator during takeoff in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The focus is on the differences in aviation safety systems around the globe, the challenges of tracking service bulletins on aircraft, and pilot decision making.

In this Jan. 29 flight, the flight control system was damaged and the aircraft was unable to make left turns. The aircraft continued to its destination and landed safely.

John and Todd discuss the crew's decision to continue the flight, the ability of the civil aviation authorities to investigate the incident, and the role that the manufacturer may play in understanding what led to the elevator separation.

An investigation into the incident may or may not happen. Further, results of any information gathered may not be released to the public or aviation community.

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Even highly experienced pilots can be overcome by severe weather. Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the fatal crash that took the life of famed test pilot Scott Crossfield. A thunderstorm boxed him in, leading to loss of control of his Cessna 210A.

John and Todd examine the weather information available to the pilot and to air traffic controllers. Failure to pay attention and communicate about the weather played a key factor in this air crash.

Crossfield was a famous test pilot with more than 11,000 flight hours. He was the first person to break Mach 2 in an airplane.

John and Todd discuss the need to reconsider flying when severe weather is predicted. They note that planes of all sizes can be affected, and a flight delay is often the safer alternative.

Related documents at the Flight safety Detectives website:

• NTSB ACCIDENT REPORT
• ADVISORY CIRCULARS:
  • FAA AC 00-24B
  • FAA AC 00-24C

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All music used by permission: Upbeat Inspiration by Paul Werner licensed by Jamendo Licensing and Upbeat Technology Corporate by Forest Music licensed by Jamendo Licensing.

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A pilot in training paid with her life when a flight instructor chose a poor location to practice engine failure maneuvers. John and Todd review the evidence collected following the air crash in California to offer flight safety advice.

Being a pilot is not easy. Pay attention to everything. Anticipate what could go wrong and have a plan.

In the 2017 accident reviewed in this episode, a flight instructor chose a mountainous area to teach simulated engine failures. Two students were aboard, one actively participating in the lesson and a second observing.

The poor choice of location created a real issue that led to a crash into the terrain. While the aircraft was largely intact, the rear passenger was killed.

John and Todd talk about the decisions that led to this air crash. It’s not easy, but students should always be willing to fire their CFI or flight school when they encounter unsafe practices.

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Spatial disorientation can happen to any pilot. It led to the fatal crashes that killed John F Kennedy Jr and Kobe Bryant. John, Greg and Todd are joined by expert Andy Watson to talk about ways pilots can avoid a deadly air crash.

Andy Watson is a professional air traffic controller, pilot, and author of the book, The Pilot’s Guide to Air Traffic Control. He describes the FAA accident briefing that led him to research spatial disorientation and develop practical recommendations to help avoid it.

Spatial disorientation can happen when a pilot is in IFR conditions, banking left or right, and moving their head. This phenomenon is especially challenging for single pilots. Spatial disorientation is the contributing factor in many air crashes.

Hear practical advice for all pilots. The discussion covers how to avoid spatial disorientation and how to work with air traffic control to get help when needed. Learn why the responses “standby” or “unable” are acceptable and could save your life.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• FAA Spatial Disorientation brochure (PDF)
• 2017 Pilatus PC12 accident report (PDF)
• Public Docket for the Pilatus PC12 accident

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All music used by permission: Upbeat Inspiration by Paul Werner licensed by Jamendo Licensing and Upbeat Technology Corporate by Forest Music licensed by Jamendo Licensing.

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The helicopter crash that killed musician Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry was primarily caused by improper maintenance. The Flight Safety Detectives share why they find fault with the NTSB assigning the primary cause to the pilot.

“It is clear that the basic cause of this accident occurred in the hangar,” says John Goglia.

John and Todd review the information in the NTSB report. They applaud the excellent work done by the NTSB lab that showed how improper installation of engine tie rod nuts led to engine failure of the Schweizer 269C.

While there are pages of analysis of the pilot and his actions in the NTSB final report, the clear maintenance deficiencies are covered minimally. The mechanic did not follow the manual or specifications.

While at the NTSB, John pushed for more investment in exploring human factors in the maintenance hangar. This accident shows a continued lack of commitment to defining corrective actions for maintenance personnel.

Related documents on the Flight safety Detectives website:

• NTSB final report
• Public Docket

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All music used by permission: Upbeat Inspiration by Paul Werner licensed by Jamendo Licensing and Upbeat Technology Corporate by Forest Music licensed by Jamendo Licensing.

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Rapid decision making and impressive aviator skills saved Harrison Ford from a deadly result in a 2015 air crash. The Flight Safety Detectives review the facts that show that Ford had a clear plan and was decisive as he dealt with engine failure shortly after takeoff in his vintage plane.

Ford quickly determined that returning to the Santa Monica airport would not work. He landed on a golf course. The hard impact caused him serious injury but no one on the ground was hurt.

“Harrison Ford did everything right. He was mentally prepared and was able to put the aircraft down safely,” Greg Feith says.

The NTSB report shows clear evidence of Ford’s training and aviation skill. It also documents a defect with the engine carburetor that led to the loss of engine power.

Do antique planes still in use need more detailed maintenance procedures for continued airworthiness? The detectives suggest this might be one way to compensate for older maintenance manuals that are brief and incomplete.

Listen for aviation safety takeaways for pilots and aircraft mechanics from this Harrison Ford accident.

Related documents at the Flight safety Detectives website

• Public Docket
• NTSB airframe and engine examination
• Director of operations statement
• NTSB final report
• NTSB factual report

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Episode 146

A pilot lost engine power in his single engine plane shortly after takeoff. He did a controlled ditch into the Pacific. The plane is largely intact, yet the pilot and his passenger die. The Flight Safety Detectives dig into the NTSB final report of the Peter Tomarken air crash to look at how this event could have been survived.

TV personality Peter Tomarken and his wife Kathleen were killed when his Beechcraft Bonanza A36 crashed a few hundred feet offshore in Santa Monica Bay in March 2006. The aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff. Eyewitness statements indicate he was able to perform a controlled ditch into the bay.

Greg, John and Todd look into the NTSB finding of a missing engine cotter pin. The report lacks details about when this may have happened, recent maintenance procedures followed or inspection processes used. These are essential to help maintenance personnel learn from this event.

The docket includes medical findings of blunt force trauma to the victims and drugs found in the pilot’s system. The effect of the drugs on the pilot’s decision-making is not clear. The role that shoulder harnesses and/or helmets could have played in protecting the people onboard is also omitted.

Hear why the Flight Safety Detectives recommend that all older aircraft have shoulder harnesses mounted to the airframe and why every small craft pilot should wear a helmet.

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More than 53 dogs being transported from New Orleans to Milwaukee had a bumpy ride when their cargo flight crashed on a golf course. This is a good news story with just a few minor injuries. John and Todd take the opportunity to put the focus on aviation safety for animals.

Animals are transported by air for a variety of reasons. There are some regulations to ensure their safety. However, Greg and Todd advise that anyone considering air transport for an animal do careful research and purchase a suitable travel carrier.

This crash involved a Fairchild Metroliner. The crash sheared off the wings and dumped a lot of jet fuel. Fortunately, there was no fire. Quick action by first responders recovered all the dogs and even led to a few adoptions!

Episode bonus: Meet Todd’s rescue pup Gidget!

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"See and Avoid" is widely recognized as a method for avoiding collision. This accident shows that approach has limits.

The term "See and Avoid" is part of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation 14 CFR Part 91.113 (b), calling for pilots to actively search for potentially conflicting traffic. John and Todd discuss a 2014 accident where two planes crashed because they were not able to see one another in time.

The accident involved a Cessna 172 and a Searey homebuilt participating in a Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles program. The Cessna was overtaking the Searey as it descended and the two collided. Two people in the Searey were able to land. The Cessna crashed and the passenger and student onboard died.

The NTSB probable cause cited failure to “see and avoid.” The Flight Safety Detectives explore the importance and limitations of relying on being able to see everything from the cockpit. They discuss how better preplanning by the two pilots involved could have avoided the collision.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• NTSB Final Report (PDF)

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Did get-there-itis and lack of preflight planning lead to the crash of a Mooney M20J into a power line tower in Montgomery County, Maryland on November 27? The Flight Safety Detectives think so.

The aircraft had taken off from Westchester County, New York, and was bound for the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg. Around 5:40 PM, for reasons still under investigation, it crashed about a few miles away from the runway. The crash was close to home for Greg, who lives just four miles from the site.

John, Greg and Todd talk about the investigation ahead for the FAA and NTSB. They explore key questions:

• Did the pilot do proper preflight planning?
• Was the pilot monitoring the weather and taking appropriate action as it developed or was he trying to tuck under the weather?
• Was the pilot following proper procedures for the approach?
• What is this pilot’s history?

This event appears to be a perfect example of the need for preflight planning. The weather forecast called for rain and low visibility. The pilot should have planned alternatives if it was not safe to land at the Gaithersburg airport.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• Related accident from 1992 (PDF)

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Episode 142

The NTSB has issued an urgent aviation safety recommendation for all operators of DHC-3 Otters to conduct an immediate one-time inspection of the horizontal stabilizer actuator lock ring. This is the result of the NTSB’s initial findings in the ongoing investigation of the Sept. 4, 2022, crash of a De Havilland Canada DHC-3 in Mutiny Bay, Washington.

Wreckage recovered from this accident reveals evidence related to the horizontal stabilizer actuator. The actuator has two parts that were screwed together and secured with a circular wire lock ring. It appears the lock ring was not seated properly. The two barrel sections unscrewed, leading to a loss of pitch trim control and the loss of the aircraft.

John and Todd explore the ways that components are kept from coming loose in airplanes, including the lock ring that is the subject of this safety recommendation. Get their insider view of the preliminary findings, possible causes of this crash, and probable next steps in the NTSB investigation.

They also talk about the implications for anyone involves in this crash that resulted in loss of life. No one wants to make a mistake, especially one that causes a crash.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• NTSB Preliminary Report
• NTSB Investigative update
• NTSB Safety Recommendation
• Press release about the inspection recommendation
• NTSB investigation page

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Episode 141

The NTSB database has just 74 events involving suicide and the focus of this discussion is the only one that involves a passenger rather than a pilot. The event took place in 2000, when a passenger on a Twin Otter plane intentionally opened the emergency exit door in flight.

As we enter the holiday season, this accident is a reminder of the additional pressures many people experience. The Flight Safety Detectives ask everyone in aviation to be especially diligent.

In this case, another passenger saw the person open the door and tried to keep her from exiting the aircraft. Recent years have shown that unusual things can and will happen on aircraft.

John and Todd discuss the importance of acting when you see something that isn’t right. They wonder how many aviation safety issues have been averted due to the quick actions of someone who noticed something and did something about it.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

- NTSB Final Report (PDF)

- NTSB Public Docket (PDF)

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Episode 140

A look inside the world of experimental aircraft is prompted by John Denver’s fatal crash 25 years ago. Denver was flying an experimental aircraft he had recently purchased. The non-standard placement of the fuel selector valve was found to be at the heart of the issues that lead to the crash.

John, Greg and Todd talk about how experimental aircraft are built and maintained. They talk about how modifications are made, often with little oversight.

The particular Long-EZ plane that Denver purchased was built with the fuel selector site valve mounted on the bulkhead behind the pilot’s left shoulder. Using it literally required the use of a mirror and pliers.

The setup, combined with questionable preflight decisions, set John Denver up to fail. Witnesses describe the engine sputtering, a steep nosedive and a crash into the ocean off the California cost. The NTSB concluded that the root cause was issues related to the fuel selector valve.

The Flight safety Detectives offer words of caution to the experimental aircraft community to make sure that safety is top of mind at all times.

Related documents available at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

- NTSB report of fatal Long-EZ crash from 1997 (PDF)
- NTSB report of WACO crash from 1989 (PDF)

- Public Docket Fatal 1997 crash

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Episode 139

A pilot in a Cessna 150 making a short trip in Australia got himself into trying circumstances that led to a crash into trees. This episode dissects the preplanning failures that doomed this 1994 flight.

The pilot took off at 3:50 a.m. on a schedule that would get him home for Christmas. Predicted bad weather caught up with him, and a partial failure of the instrument control panel added to the situation. The plane crashed into trees, and fortunately the pilot was able to walk away.

His choices stacked the deck against him including choosing to fly at night, deteriorating weather conditions, and self-induced pressure to be home for the holidays.

“Every flight has a set of circumstances. It is up to you as the pilot to determine if the circumstances are right before you take off,” Todd says.

Related documents available at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• ATSB accident report: C152_ATSB_Dec_1994.pdf
• Magazine article on the crash: Asia_Pacific_Air_Safety_Marc_1995.pdf

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Episode 138

Flight Safety Detectives examine the crash of a Sabreliner twin engine plane in Ironwood, Michigan. The pilots flew into severe weather and did not follow standard procedures to avoid engine flameout.

The pilots were on a day trip transporting two business executives. They flew into a level 5 thunderstorm and lost both engines. The investigation showed they did not use the established checklist for this type of situation.

John discusses the continuous ignition system that was not apparently turned on. That system is designed to allow for quick restart of the engines.

Todd and John highlight key lessons and takeaways including the value of using standard procedures, avoiding weather, flying within aircraft limits, and actions the pilots could have taken.

Related documents available at the FSD website:

• NTSB Final Report (PDF)
• AC 00-24B about Thunderstorms (PDF)
• August 2002 Accident Prevention article about this crash (PDF)

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Episode 137

The investigation of an issue involving a RJ100 in Sweden is relevant to everyone who flies sophisticated aircraft. Specifically, this investigation revealed issues related to the high angle of attack stall sensor that is commonly used in the aviation industry.

The Swedish authority that investigated the issue deployed a multi-person team. They were able to identify the maintenance errors that led to a false stall warning in flight.

John notes that the stick shake stall warning is the same event that started both 737 Max crashes, as well as an Air France A340 crash. These are just part of a long history of airplane stalls resulting in loss of aircraft and lives. In this case, the plane landed safely.

The final accident report has detail that can help prevent these types of accidents. John and Todd highlight the key findings for pilots and maintenance personnel.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Episode 136

Was the fatal crash of a Piper PA46-500TP airplane the result of a plane with unresolved maintenance issues or a pilot with insufficient skills? The Flight Safety Detectives find that the NTSB report of this accident has no educational value or safety benefit.

Calling the single engine turbo-prop plane “not your father’s 172,” Greg brings to light the complexities of the aircraft involved. “When things go bad, they go bad very quickly.”

Todd adds his research on social media that indicates the pilot was uncomfortable with the plane. He notes that the pilot needed an unusually high number of hours to earn his instrument rating.

John covers the maintenance records. He wonders if the “no action taken” conclusion of the last work order was because the pilot declined repairs or if the root cause was believed to be the pilot’s inability to fly the aircraft.

The Flight Safety Detectives look at the NTSB report and available information to offer safety insights. They point to poor pilot skills and aeronautical decision making as important factors.

Accident details:

• NTSB Accident Number: DFW08FA057
• Public Docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=67401
• NTSB Final Report (PDF available at flightsafetydetectives.com)
• NTSB Witness Statement (PDF available at flightsafetydetectives.com)

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Episode 135

The investigation into a June 2022 Cessna 182G crash in Texas is ongoing. The Flight Safety Detectives share initial facts and offer safety insights.

“A mechanical malfunction is high on my list to look at. Anything out of place, even a simple cotter pin, could have led to problems,” says John.

The detectives share the indications that there was loss of flight controls in the final stages of the flight. They share facts they have uncovered. Listen as they apply their experience to ask questions that the investigation should explore.

Weather conditions, possible mechanical issues, pilot experience, and more factors are explored. Hear what should be done to get beyond a superficial probable cause conclusion in this fatal air crash.

Accident details:

• NTSB Accident Number: CEN22FA232
• Preliminary Kathryn’s Report (PDF available at https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kathrynsreport.pdf)

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Episode 134

Poor decision-making by the pilot is showcased in the examination of a Piper PA-24 crash in Angel Fire, New Mexico. The Flight Safety Detectives find that the NTSB report of this air crash provides helpful information and findings that every pilot can learn from.

Greg, John and Todd review the facts, conditions and circumstances of the accident to amplify the role of the pilot’s decisions before and during the flight. A lack of preparation led to this crash and two fatalities.

The pilot was not prepared for the gusty winds present at takeoff. He was also not familiar with the high-density altitude conditions common during hot weather at this airport. Todd estimates the pilot had about 45 seconds between realizing something was wrong and hitting the ground.

For links related to this episode, visit flightsafetydetectives.com

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Episode 133

An accident involving a Hughes 269C helicopter demonstrates the lack of depth in accidents attributed to maintenance errors. Once again, there is no analysis on the human factors involved among maintenance personnel.

The NTSB probable cause for this air crash points to an improperly installed mounting bracket on the engine. The supporting details and aviation insights are lacking.

“My frustration is that they go no further than to say this is a maintenance issue,” John Goglia says. “No human factors are explored although that is as important in maintenance as it is in the cockpit.”

John, Greg and Todd find many questions unanswered. They discuss the value in going deeper than “maintenance screwed up.”

They explore the many questions not investigated that could lead to information that people can learn from. They talk about why even the most benign accidents can result in aviation safety benefits. This accident report is among many that are a disservice to the aviation community because it is superficial.

Also in this episode, Greg retracts a Episode 131 statement that 50% of NTSB probably causes are wrong. He does not have sufficient documentation to support the statement. However, he stands by his statement that he is confident that at least half of NTSB reports are incomplete.

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Episode 132

FAA Advisory Circular 60-22 just may save your life. The document looks at aeronautical decision making and five hazardous attitudes.

In the cockpit, on the hangar floor and in life, the Flight Safety Detectives say this information provides critical insight for everyone in aviation.

Greg, John and Todd use a Cirrus SR 22 air crash in Midland, Texas to illustrate how poor decision-making puts pilots and passengers at risk. Hear as they make the case for everyone in aviation to apply this insight to their work and life.

Pilots who don’t recognize their own limitations and rationalize poor decisions cause accidents. This free document can save your life.

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Episode 131

Continuing the discussion started in Episode 128, the deficiencies of the NTSB report of a plane crash in Palo Alto are laid out. John, Greg, and Todd conclude that the report actually contributes to the problem of inaccurate data leading to time and money being spent on the wrong aviation safety issues.

Estimates are that more than 50 percent of NTSB reports are inaccurate, incorrect or outright wrong. This report is highlighted as a case in point.

Greg outlines several questions not answered – or incorrectly addressed – in the report. Here are just a few:

• The departure clearance provided calls to turn right after takeoff, but the pilot turned left. Why?
• Both engines were working. Why was the aircraft so low following takeoff?
• Why did the NTSB spend so much time looking at the engines and no time looking at instrumentation?

“There are many issues with open questions that are not answered,” Greg says. “This is not a beneficial report to understand the cause or contributing factors.”

Todd adds that the media coverage of the air crash characterized the pilot as experienced and dedicated to safe operations. Yet, the NTSB did not look into what would lead him to make the errors apparent that day.

Listen to find out why the Flight Safety Detectives think this report does a disservice to the pilot, other victims and aviation safety overall.

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Episode 130

Ever wonder how to get details on aviation accidents? You may be surprised to learn that many incidents don’t get added to the NTSB online database.

The Flight Safety Detectives share how they find aviation incident information, from basic Google searches to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

“Most people don’t realize that many accidents are investigated by the FAA, not the NTSB,” John says. “And there are many databases out there that can have information.”

The example of wing strike incident with a rental aircraft used by Todd is used to show the steps that can be taken to get information.

John and Todd encourage anyone with interest in a particular incident or aviation in general to explore the information available. Knowledge is power and is the basis for the aviation safety improvements.

The episode also covers the many career opportunities related to aviation, in the air and on the ground.

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Episode 129

A look at the broad community of support available to today’s general aviation pilots. Todd is discovering rich resources that are helpful to every pilot as he returns to the cockpit after many years.

“Flight instructors are a wealth of knowledge, but pilots still need more,” says Todd.

He and John discuss several important resources:

• Aviation-specific weather available 24/7/365, forecast and up-to-the-minute
• YouTube videos that provide education on large and small topics
• Updated regulations online

Todd also shares resources he has used to prepare for the various qualification exams. He explains his strategies for getting the most of these resources.

They also discuss the value of Freedom of Information Act Requests – now easy to do online – to learn about specific incidents. Todd shares what he has learned from recent requests.

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Episode 128

The NTSB report of a 2010 Cessna 310R air crash in Palo Alto, California gets mixed reviews. Todd’s impressed by a sound study used to recreate the flight path, and John finds lots of detail in the examination of the wreckage, engine and prop. The positive first impression falls apart when Greg highlights missing details.

The report does not answer many questions, including:

• Appropriateness of unusual air traffic control instructions to “take off at your own risk”
• Why the pilot turned left rather than right shortly after takeoff
• How 200 knot speed was achieved just 14 seconds after takeoff

The “ridiculous” probable cause statement relies on the obvious and doesn’t reflect the facts documented in the report.

The Flight Safety Detectives raise questions that need to be answered to find the aviation safety lessons to be learned from this accident. They raise questions about this aircraft crash that will continued to be explored in the next episode.

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Episode 127

A look beyond the NTSB documentation of a Cessna 421C crash in Florida. Greg and John review the many important “whys’ not answered in the report.

Why did the pilot not properly follow procedures to handle engine failure despite completing a training program just 90 days earlier?

Why was a pilot who had recently completed a certified training program so ill prepared for handle an engine failure scenario?

Why was there loss of torque in several bolts and other internal engine damage?

“A lot of valuable safety information could have been uncovered and shared for the benefit of the industry, especially general aviation,” Greg says. John adds that the hesitation to dig into anything that happens inside the maintenance hangar prevents maintenance personnel from learning all they can from accidents.

Armed with the proper information and training, the pilot in this accident could have dealt with the engine failure, kept airspeed, and made a controlled landing. Greg and John want other pilots to benefit from these safety findings.

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Report for accident number ERA13FA082

Public docket for accident report ERA13FA082

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Episode 126

Poor pilot training is a central cause of a Cessna 421C crash in Florida. The NTSB report documents the crash, but misses the opportunity to fully analyze the training failures. With the number of accidents that involve training issues on the rise, the Flight Safety Detectives dig into this accident to share important safety takeaways.

“The good news is that pilot training quality issues are on the radar of FAA inspectors,” John says. He and Greg agree that attention and improvements can’t come quick enough.

Many recent accidents show obvious training deficiencies among new and experienced pilots. John and Greg heard from many people at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh that this is an issue that needs to be discussed.

This episode offers background information on a December 2012 crash in Florida. The pilot had 1200+ flight hours, and just 1.5 hours in the accident aircraft. Contributing issues include maintenance, operational, and training deficiencies. John and Greg set the stage to cover these in more detail in the next episode.

Many listeners visited with John, Greg and Todd at the Avemco booth at Oshkosh. The feedback will be used to shape future episodes. Don’t miss what’s to come - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

Report for accident number ERA13FA082

Public docket for accident report ERA13FA082

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Episode 125

You never know what you will learn at the Avemco Insurance booth! John, Greg and Todd are at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. A conversation with a pilot and listener revealed a story of an air disaster averted that the Flight Safety Detectives had to share. Hear about Heather’s flight that resulted in a damaged prop and landing gear.

“I caption this story, ‘Am I really ready,’” says Greg. “It’s an important lesson every pilot and aspiring pilot needs to hear.”

Heather shares what happened during a solo flight to a new airport. It was her first straight in approach and a bounce on landing caused damage that she was initially unaware of. She’s examined what happened and shares what she did well as well as mistakes she doesn’t want other pilots to make.

This story could have been another air disaster, but instead offers important insights for anyone who wants to succeed in the cockpit.

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Episode 124

John and Greg have get-real conversation about alarming trends in aviation safety. Accidents are increasing, even among experienced pilots. At the same time, the NTSB has scaled back on investigations and is issuing reports with superficial findings. Are more air disasters in the making?

Pilot shortages are leading to a push for training volume over quality. The college requirement has been removed and there is a push to reduce the flight hours for qualification.

“NTSB findings often talk about the importance of experience and pilot training but they have been silent now that there is a push to lessen the requirements,” Greg notes.

Listen as the Flight Safety Detectives outline many indicators that aviation safety is in jeopardy.

John and Greg will be at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. See them at the Avemco Insurance booth on Thursday, July 28 at 2 p.m.

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Covering the “sister” accident to the flight crash discussed in Episode 122, John, Greg and Todd focus on the role played by manufacturers in aviation safety and maintenance. The NTSB findings place the blame for this 1995 accident squarely with the propeller manufacturer and FAA oversight.

Nine of 29 people aboard the Embraer EMB-120RT were killed in the crash of Atlantic Southeast Airlines Flight 529. In-flight loss of the propeller blade led to the collision.

“This crash is the result of the failure of the process, training and management of the manufacturer’s maintenance and repair facility,” John summarizes.

This accident was the first investigation John was onsite for as a NTSB board member. One of the first items he noticed at the crash scene was the propeller crack that was ultimately determined to be the cause.

Greg adds details on findings that are also important to improving aviation safety: better communication between cockpit and cabin, and improvements in the design of the cockpit crash ax.

The episode concludes with an updated report from Todd’s return to flight. Hear what he found in a routine preflight inspection of a rental aircraft that led him to file a Freedom of Information Act request with the FAA.

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A close look at the crash of Atlantic Southeast Airlines Flight 2311. This 1991 accident brings focus to the importance of thorough and methodical inspection and maintenance beginning in the factory.

The flight started at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and was headed to Brunswick, Georgia. The twin-turboprop Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia crashed just north of Brunswick while approaching the airport for landing. All 23 people aboard the plane were killed, including passengers NASA Astronaut Sonny Carter and former United States Senator John Tower.

The NTSB determined the cause was the design of the propeller. As the crew pulled the power back, the prop went to a position below flight idle, creating a wall that dramatically slowed the plane.

Hear details on the dynamics that led to the loss of control with insight only Greg and John can provide. They also dissect the certification process for airplane components that is supposed to ensure safety.

Many of the issues with certification discussed following the 737 Max crashes have parallels to the findings of this crash.

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Some air crashes are not really accidents. Todd and John characterize the focus of this week’s episode an event where a perfectly good airplane was destroyed.

“Some pilots have more money than brains, and this seems to be a case of that,” John says.

The 2021 air crash event involved a Cessna Citation flown by a single pilot. Although the pilot had experience in aviation, he had been denied a type rating for the plane and single pilot authorization by an Arizona flight school.

This fateful flight started in the Portland area. Before takeoff, the pilot was not fully responsive to air traffic control. That issue continued as the flight progressed to the Mount Hood area.

“Something was amiss and it wasn’t the aircraft,” Todd notes.

The flight ended with an extended spiral into the ground.

Also in this episode is advice related to restricted air space rules and risks and the need for student pilots to secure renter’s insurance.

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Episode 120

The efforts of the Flight Safety Foundation take center stage. Special guest is Jim Burin, former technical director at the Foundation and chairman of the award committee for the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award.

Greg and John highlight the many accomplishments of the foundation as an independent, international, and impartial non-profit that exists to champion the cause of aviation safety.

The Foundation works to identify global safety issues, set priorities and serve as a catalyst to address these concerns through data collection and information sharing. Foundation studies and publications serve as a key resource for the industry at all levels.

The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award recognizes notable achievement in the field of aviation safety. John is a past recipient. The process of selecting the latest winners is underway. Learn more at https://flightsafety.org/foundation/aviation-awards/the-laura-taber-barbour-air-safety-award

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Episode 119

The Flight Safety Detectives take on two recent events where pilot stunts led the FAA to revoke their pilot certificates. Pilots are counted on for solid decision making and judgement. The FAA found that pilots failed in their duty to fly safely.

The FAA took the action when pilots Andy Farrington and Luke Aikins conducted a stunt for Red Bull that had been denied. In the other incident, Trevor Jacobs was penalized for staging a crash.

Greg, John and Todd share insight into where these pilots went astray. They talk about ways that they could have gotten online attention without jeopardizing safety.

“In the aviation industry we work to make every flight safe” Greg says. “These guys threatened aviation safety for no good reason.”

The detectives support the strong message sent by the FAA actions.

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Episode 118

Charlie Taylor (1868 – 1956) was an American inventor, mechanic and machinist. John, Greg and Todd talk about the impacts of Taylor’s work in the earliest days of aviation.

Taylor built the first aircraft engine used by the Wright brothers in the Wright Flyer. He was a vital contributor of mechanical skills in the building and maintaining of early Wright engines and airplanes.

An unsung hero in his day, his contributions are now recognized and applauded. Aviation Maintenance Technician Day is observed on May 24, Taylor's birthday.

In 1902 Taylor was running the Wright brothers bike shop in Ohio and also the Wright Flyer. He would regularly make and ship parts to keep the brothers flying at their testing grounds on North Carolina.

Maintenance technicians today continue Taylor’s legacy. Hear about his trail blazing inventions and approaches that created the foundation of the aviation maintenance profession.

This episode also covers education and professional opportunities in aviation maintenance today.

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Episode 117

This episode kicks off with a recap of the 2022 Aerospace Maintenance Competition. John applauds the talents of the more than 350 participants. More than 800 people attended the event!

Team and individuals earned awards and scholarships. More than 25 people also earned final interviews with companies in attendance to staff their maintenance crews.

Keeping with the maintenance theme, Greg and John cover the crash of Emery Worldwide Airlines Flight 17. Greg served at the NTSB investigator in charge. John also visited the crash site.

Originally thought to be caused by a cargo shift, the accident investigation revealed a maintenance error was the root cause. John explains the mistakes made during maintenance of the plane’s tail. It all comes down to simple bolts that were installed incorrectly.

Greg highlights the challenges of recovering the plane wreckage. The crash was into an auto salvage yard and caused a large fire. Investigators had to sift through everything to find the DC8 parts.

Following procedures can lead to maintenance successes and failures. This episode showcases those highs and lows.

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Episode 116

Todd Curtis has decided to return to the cockpit after decades and he’s sharing his experience. Whether you are new to aviation or are rusty after a brief or long time away from flying, this discussion is for you.

Todd and John walk through the steps and how to have a safety mindset from day one.

• How to find the right instructor
• Having an honest health conversation with your doctor
• Getting started
• Approaches to preflight inspections and checklists
• Making your logbook an essential reference.

Listen for tips that will help you fly safe!

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Episode 115

Greg Feith flies solo as he presents a roundup of recent fatal air crashes. The focus is on three accidents now under investigation that add to the escalation of fatal crashes this year.

Hear preliminary details related to the crashes that involved a Cessna 340 in Georgia, a Cessna 337 in California, and a Diamond DA40. Greg surfaces the issues that could make these accidents important lessons for all pilots.

With popular flying season starting, Greg asks every pilot to ask themselves “Am I ready?” before getting into the cockpit. He makes the point that flight airworthiness extends beyond the aircraft. The pilot also needs to be proficient, comfortable, and competent before takeoff.

“Benign situations can quickly escalate if a pilot is not prepared with the basics,” Greg says.

He wraps up with a case for the “WTF Files.” A stunt for Red Bull made headlines when an in-air pilot switch went wrong and one plane crashed. The FAA had issued a letter of denial for the stunt the day before. Aviation stunts can be entertaining, but this event compromised aviation safety.

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Episode 114

This episode is about facts and their impact on the work of air crash investigators. Building a complete backstory with facts leads to an effective investigation.

Two recent accidents have few facts to work with. The available facts related to the 737 Max continue to be swept aside in favor of more headline-grabbing narratives.

John and Greg continue their effort to keep the focus on facts, conditions and circumstances to get to the real story of air crashes. These elements that lead to safety improvements.

They begin with a Cessna TU206 crash in Texas. Two pilots were killed when the plane crashed in a field. They discuss known details that could indicate striking something, a stall or lack of fuel.

A single pilot died when a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan used for a UPS cargo delivery contract crashed recently in Idaho. The plane landed inverted in a factory roof. Known facts included missed approaches, weather issues, and the importance of keeping on schedule.

Focus turns to the two commercial aviation accidents involving the 737 Max. John and Greg address listener comments related to the crashes, the planes, and Boeing. They cover the fallout from the Boeing-McDonnell Douglas merger and how that impacted the timeline for the plane’s certification.

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Episode 113

John, Greg and special guest Geoffrey Thomas offer the facts about Boeing and the 737 Max. They call out the sensationalism of the Netflix documentary “Downfall” and dig into facts that offer a more true picture of the airline and issues that led to the Lion Air and Ethiopian crashes.

Geoff is a world-renowned multi-award-winning writer, author, and commentator and editor-in-chief at AirlineRatings.com. He is an outspoken no-nonsense but fair critic of many aspects of airline management, technological issues related to aviation, and those related to safety and the environment.

Facts aren’t sexy, they agree, but the safety of everyone from industry to government to the public depends on understanding the real backstory.

The episode covers factors that influence operations of Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers. The role of Boeing’s acquisition of McDonnell Douglas is discussed. They separate facts from emotion to show that business pressures can sideline safety needs.

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Episode 112

Greg and John dive into the latest details emerging about the China Eastern Flight 5735 crash on March 21. They also cover the backstory and impact of the Aerospace Maintenance Competition coming April 25-28.

The Chinese Government has allowed the NTSB to assist as technical advisors in investigating the China Eastern crash. Greg and John talk about what that means for getting to the facts.

They share insights from previous accidents with similar themes to this crash, including the documented repair of a previous tail strike on the aircraft and incidences of deliberate crashes.

Their sights turn to the upcoming maintenance competition in Dallas in conjunction with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas. More than 80 teams from around the globe will compete this year.

Teams represent educational institutions, commercial airlines, repair and manufacturing companies, general aviation and space. Up for grabs are prizes as well as bragging rights as the best of the best.

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Episode 111

A recent helicopter crash in Texas took the lives of a student pilot and a flight instructor. Helicopter fleets are growing – are there enough highly qualified flight instructors to keep pace with the demand?

Greg, John and Todd look at the initial information about this tragedy. They explore known safety issues with Robinson 44 helicopters. The tail boom appears to have been cut by the main rotor blade, a topic of a Robinson safety bulletin.

Citing data that reflects a surge in helicopter manufacturing, they wonder if there are enough flight instructors to train pilots to safely fly these aircraft.

This episode also examines a Piper PA22 Tri-Pacer crash in Arizona for the “WTF Files.” Three strikes were against the pilot and passenger before they ever took off: an expired registration, no insurance, and an unreported chronic medical condition. On top of that, they did not use the safety shoulder harnesses in flight.

Hear the details that led to the crash about 10 minutes after takeoff. The official cause is fuel exhaustion leading to engine loss, but there is much more to learn.

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Episode 110

The ultimate tragedy of a runway crash at the Compton airport is that is never should have happened. For Greg, Todd and John, it’s a textbook example of what not do to as a pilot.

They explore the many bad decisions made by the pilot of a vintage T28 Warbird that landed on top of a Cessna 152.

As they review the information in the NTSB docket about the accident, Greg concludes, “there was no logic in decision making and operational discipline.”

Get the full analysis of what went wrong. The emphasis of this episode is the critical responsibility of the pilot in command to ensure safety before, during and after flight.

Greg and John also share takeaways following presentations to a flight department in Arizona. They highlight how structure and procedures can improve flight safety.

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Episode 109

The investigation is ongoing related to a Dec 2021 fatal crash involving a Cessna 208B and a powered glider. Both pilots were fatally injured in the accident that appears to have happened when the glider was higher than permitted altitude. The impact separated the plane’s right wing.

The Cessna was operated as a Part 135 cargo flight, and the powered paraglider was operated as a Part 103 personal flight. Greg says all indicators were that the Cessna pilot was doing routine cruise altitude operations and never saw the motor glider.

Greg, John and Todd examine the information released by the NTSB. They also talk about other incidents with pilots experiencing untraditional aircraft creating hazards to aviation.

They call for all pilots to follow the rules of the aircraft they are flying to ensure their own safety as well as others in the sky.

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Episode 108

Efforts continue to get to the bottom of the crash of MH 370. Eight years after the crash, John and Todd are in touch with the people who are working to find the wreckage and uncover the facts.

John shares the latest developments from a group in Australia advocating to move the search area to the south. Hear the evidence that points to the crash being a murder/suicide event.

Sanctions on Russian commercial aircraft and planes operated by Russian interests are in the news. Companies that provide support are cutting ties. Aircraft leases are being canceled.

Todd shares an update on his effort to update his pilot certification. His goal is to earn an instrument rating in a glass cockpit.

“One of the biggest changes is that the technology that was in airliners in the 1980s is now in general aviation aircraft,” Todd says. “I have a new perspective on the challenges general aviation pilots face with new technologies and systems.”

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Aviation is in the news and the headlines are tragic. The Ukraine crisis poses new risks for commercial aviation safety. Fatal general aviation accidents are on the rise. Netflix’s “Downfall – the Case Against Boeing” chooses emotion over facts. The FAA administrator’s sudden resignation adds to the turmoil.

Greg, John and Todd share their insights into these and other current events. They recommit to the mission of improving aviation safety at all levels. They invite listeners to suggest topics.

“We could to this show every day and not keep up with events. But we will keep sharing information to improve aviation safety,” says John Goglia.

Todd’s commitment has brought him back into the cockpit. He’s learning to fly again to experience the technologies, tools and information available for general aviation. Hear how he’s going about renewing his pilot skills and certifications.

Image credit: ADSBexchange.com

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Episode 106

Dissecting the fatal crash of a Cirrus SR20 near Hobby Airport in Texas. This accident highlights the value of careful preflight planning.

“Solid preflight planning leaves nothing to chance, and that would have made a difference here,” says John Goglia.

While the pilot had experience with the aircraft, her experience landing at a high traffic airports is less clear. John and Greg wonder if another pilot in the cockpit or a plan to land at a less constrained airport could have made a difference.

Other factors covered include medication found in the pilot toxicology report, confusing instructions provided by air traffic controllers and excessive maneuvering required over a 20-minute period. Get an analysis that gives insight beyond the NTSB findings summarized at the Kathryn’s Report website.

Also hear preliminary details of recent high-profile helicopter crashes in Florida and California.

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Episode 105

Greg and John are all over the news reports of the proposed merger of Frontier and Spirit airlines. Both companies have low customer satisfaction ratings. Will the combination create a larger poor performing airline or lead to safety improvements?

The conversation covers the back stories of several past commercial airline mergers. They share inside knowledge of issues and crashes that happened during and soon after mergers. As employees adjust to new procedures and operations, attention can be taken away from safety.

The episode also covers a disturbing trend in general aviation. Pilots without the proper skills, abilities and knowledge seem to be counting on technology and automation to keep them safe. The result is an alarming number of accidents.

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Episode 104

The NTSB final report related to a Cessna 172 crash has Greg, John and Todd concluding that pilots and mechanics are being led to focus on the wrong safety issues. Chasing the wrong issues is stalling advances in aviation safety.

This accident is cited as the basis for a NTSB safety recommendation to add active carbon monoxide detectors to all general aviation aircraft. However, the accident details tell a completely different safety story.

“Once again, the NTSB has stopped their investigation at the hangar door,” says John. “They are not doing the in-depth analysis of maintenance issues that will help GA pilots and mechanics to do better.”

The flight safety detectives explore the real issues behind the accident. The tie the facts and details to do the analysis lacking in the NTSB investigation and report. Their probable cause: systemic noncompliance.

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Episode 103

United Airlines just launched its own flight school. Does United Aviate Academy offer a better option for would-be pilots than college aviation programs?

Greg, John and Todd share first impressions. The program appears to be more expensive than other ways of earning pilot credentials and stops short of ATP certification.

They talk about why the program may be better or worse than college programs and private flight schools.

The new road rage? The Flight Safety Detectives also talk about the continued incidents of cabin disruptions caused by passengers who refuse to comply with federal mask mandates. Flights are being turned back, risking the safety of crew and passengers.

From the WTF files, Greg shares a recent incident where a pilot in NC swerved to miss a coyote, left the runway and hit a sign. What would you do – hit the sign or take out the coyote?

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Episode 102

Even high-profile crashes can result in NTSB reports that miss important safety takeaways. The focus of this episode is the October 2002 crash that killed Senator Paul Wellstone and seven others. John, Greg, Todd and guest Dick Healing talk about facts that played a much greater role in the accident than the listed probable cause.

“There is no question that contributing factors were poor practices by the operator,” Healing says.

The charter operator’s organizational deficiencies set this flight up for failure before takeoff.

• Pairing of two pilots with questionable skills
• Lack of equipment such as cockpit recorders and proper manuals
• Questionable FAA oversight

While the NTSB has highlighted these issues in final reports for large carrier accidents, they are only found in the docket of this investigation.

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Episode 101

Greg, John and Todd have a lively conversation triggered by the recent announcement from Delta Airlines that pilots no longer need a college education. Will this impact aviation safety?

“I know a lot of pilots that know aviation but don’t understand aviation,” says Greg. He adds that investigating the results of their poor decisions keeps him busy as a safety investigator.

The question at the center of the debate is what is needed to equip pilots to make the decisions and have the maturity that are needed for success. Is a college education a worthy process to make sure that only the most qualified people wind up in the cockpit?

Listen to the debate and add your thoughts. Should all airline pilots be required to have a college education?

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Episode 100

Episode 100 looks ahead to what’s next for Flight Safety Detectives. There’s a fresh new look and new segments to educate and entertain while doing the serious work of promoting aviation safety.

Hear John and Greg talk about their plans for 2022. They offer updates on recent major accidents covered in earlier episodes:

• Pratt & Whitney engine failure investigation, Episode 67
• TransAir 810 crash, Episode 78

Get a preview of an upcoming episode about the Citation accident involving active winglets that is now under the NTSB reconsideration of probable cause process. John and Greg have insider insights into that lesser-known process.

Listen for more crucial insights for pilots and mechanics.

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Episode 99

Winter weather and questionable piloting have led to another series of aviation accidents. Greg and John look at the initial information and stress the importance of not flying beyond your skills and knowledge.

One fatal crash took the life of their good friend Charlie Schneider, CEO of MYGOFLIGHT. They share the known details that led to the crash of his Cirrus SR22. They reflect on his dedication to general aviation and general aviation safety.

The NTSB has released the final report of the crash of a Beech B60 Duke. Greg finds that the NTSB investigation was thorough, and the report has good information. Among the findings – no preflight inspection and a homemade gust lock left in place.

“Bad things happen when you take a sick airplane into the air,” says Greg. John and Greg offer flight safety advice based on years of investigating the aftermath of accidents.

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This episode opens with a recap of the recent ceremony where John received the National Aeronautic Association Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award. The event recognized his many contributions to aviation.

John, Greg and Todd review four recent aircraft accidents – three general aviation and one commercial. They offer initial analysis and the safety questions that should be answered during the investigation process.

A Bonanza crash in California led to four fatalities. Weather appears to be a factor in this crash that happened just 16 seconds after takeoff. Local reports are that weather conditions changed rapidly in the area – could one more weather check before takeoff have led to a different outcome?

A twin engine Piper Navajo Chieftain crashed in Oregon. The recording of the interaction with air traffic control before takeoff indicates the pilot was confused. This fatal crash investigation will need to look at pilot health as well as mechanical issues.

In Nebraska, the pilot lost control and crashed a twin engine Cessna 310. This accident also raises questions about pilot proficiency and currency as well as aircraft mechanical issues.

Finally, they discuss the recent miraculous emergency landing of a fully loaded DC3 in Alaska. The pilot reported the loss of an engine shortly after takeoff and was able to maneuver to another runway and accomplish a safe landing.

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Episode 97

A number of accidents happened Thanksgiving weekend, a trend that needs to be changed. Greg and John offer several flight safety tips for general aviation pilots planning holiday travel.

Listen to make sure you’re planning for the safest trip possible. John and Greg cover the importance of preflight planning, factoring in weather en route, dealing with icing conditions and more.

The Flight Safety detectives also share listener emails and tease plans for 2022. They invite more listener input to make the show a valuable resource for everyone interested in aviation safety.

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Episode 96

Safety training for the aviation community isn’t effective and needs an overhaul. Greg and John drive home this point by talking about the high rate of fatal accidents in November. Particular focus is on the accident that killed Blue Origin crew member Glen de Vries.

“We’re not reaching pilots and the aviation community with effective safety training,” John says. Greg adds that people don’t read manuals or safety material available from the FAA and NTSB.

Recent accidents involve a range of general aviation planes. Most wreckage is removed and stored for later evaluation, adding concerns that volatile evidence is being lost.

Recommendations to improve safety are slow coming in recent years. When safety findings are issued, the format isn’t effectively sharing the information.

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Episode 95

Several accidents caused by icing reveal safety information that pilots need to know. As we head into a time when icing can be common, John, Greg and Todd want to be sure everyone avoids the mistakes other pilots have made.

“Icing has greater impact on general aviation aircraft than commercial planes. It is important to be prepared for icing incidents,” Greg says.

In this episode the Flight Safety Detectives focus on one general aviation icing event and relate it to lessons learned from other accidents involving icing. The takeaways benefit all pilots. They dig beyond the stated NTSB findings to highlight how pilots need to prepare for icing and how to manage the situation.

Included is a discussion of the TKS Weeping Wing system. They cover the benefits as well as the shortcomings.

Knowledge is power, and the Flight Safety Detectives want to empower every pilot with the latest insights on how to deal with icing as well as the details of relevant safety regulations.

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Episode 94

The conversation continues with Hoot Gibson. Gibson’s life in aviation started growing up and took him to the cockpit of Navy fighters, NASA space shuttles and many test and race aircraft.

Hoot, John, Greg and Todd cover the many unique experiences of Gibson’s career. His experiences and lessons learned offer every pilot key takeaways.

Hear Hoot narrate the experience of his five shuttle missions, including the handshake that ended the Cold War. Gibson is also known as the ambassador of model aviation and talks about the benefits of working with model aircraft.

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Episode 93

Hoot Gibson is the special guest for this discussion of space safety lessons that benefit all aspects of aviation. Gibson is a five-time space shuttle crew member and a professional pilot. He shares his experiences to offer insights into the importance of scrutinizing even the smallest issues and the value of training in preparing for flights of all kinds.

Hoot, John, Greg and Todd discuss the commercial space program, including Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX. While NASA has looked closely at SpaceX before using it to transport astronauts, less is known about the safety protocols of the others.

“You can never do too much training,” Gibson shares as his motto. He shares how training at NASA and elsewhere has helped him handle the many anomalies he has experienced in flight.

The discussion covers safety lessons learned in space that translate to commercial and general aviation and vice versa.

Among his honors, Gibson was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He has also earned several military decorations throughout his career.

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Greg, John and Todd take a look at the NTSB report of a 2019 crash in Auburn Township, Ohio. They question the conclusion that the cause was spatial disorientation. Overall, the report lacks information to benefit air safety.

They explore additional factors worthy of more detail than is found in the report:

• “Getthereitis” despite poor weather
• Pilot’s heart health
• Poor decision making
• Aircraft maintenance history

They conclude that NTSB report does not represent the results of a thorough and methodical investigation. Many questions are left unexplored. The answers may offer important information related to air safety to benefit others.

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Episode 91

Greg and John share takeaways from the recent National Business Aviation Association annual convention in Las Vegas. While there, they offered maintenance personnel a training session on the accident investigation process and the role they should play.

The convention has Greg and John focused on the future of avionics, automations and other technology in aviation. Changes are coming, for better or worse. Automations are increasing, potentially loosening the focus on the importance of pilot training and knowledge. That comes with potential risk to aviation safety.

They talk about the latest machines and technology on display at NBAA. Some interesting safety technology is poised to become available for general aviation use.

Bonus! Hear John and Greg’s frequent flyer tips for how to stay sane while traveling in these times of airline staffing shortages and other disruptions.

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Episode 90

Don’t let an inadequate preflight inspection come back to haunt you. Simple issues can lead to serious accidents for general aviation pilots. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Jason Lukasik look at two accidents to show how preflight inspections can avoid crashes, injury and death.

A Piper Seneca crash was attributed to missing cotter pins on the landing gear. Photos shows even more visual evidence of maintenance issues that could have been caught before the plane took off.

A Cessna 172 accident appears to be the result of the fuel selector handle being reinstalled backwards. The owner-pilot was killed when he was drawing from tank with low fuel although he believed he selected the full tank. The NTSB investigation was unusually critical in the probable cause statement, citing “negligent maintenance.”

Small parts can lead to big accidents. Greg, John and Jason share their direct experiences to illustrate this point. “It is important to be really plugged in when an airplane is coming out of maintenance,” John says. Maintenance workers and pilots should inspect the work, ask questions, and do a careful inspection before taking off.

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Episode 89

A Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG crash in September 2021 appears to be the result of poor maintenance and pilot error. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Jason Lukasik dive into key elements of the NTSB preliminary report. The oil analysis alone gives important insight into chronic engine maintenance issues that likely led to the crash.

The pilot was at Lake Havasu to get fuel for a flight to Reno. The pilot also performed maintenance there to replace the bushings on the nosewheel because he was experiencing a vibration on takeoff and landing.

Witnesses observed the airplane takeoff down the runway at a slow groundspeed and noted that the engine sounded rough. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff.

Flight Safety Detectives explore several elements in the preliminary findings that indicate shortcomings in preventative maintenance and annual inspections. They offer particular insight into the value of engine oil analysis and the many insights for engine maintenance.

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Episode 88

The Flight Safety Detectives offer a fresh analysis of the 2008 crash of a Lear Model 60 in Columbia, South Carolina. Travis Barker was one of two passengers who survived the crash that killed the flight crew and two passengers.

Crew performance issues started long before the aircraft started takeoff. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis share a minute-by-minute analysis. They uncover issues with operations, briefing inadequacies and crew actions.

They dissect known issues with the tires used on the aircraft. John shares his maintenance expertise to provide insight into pressure leak down issues and the unique stresses experienced by airplane tires. He shares signs of inadequate work done by the charter company maintenance department.

The National Transportation Safety Board report attributed the accident to tire bursts during take-off and the pilot's resulting decision to abort at high speed. This analysis also gives weight to the impact of loose operating procedures and pilot distraction or fatigue.

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Episode 88

The Flight Safety Detectives offer a fresh analysis of the 2008 crash of a Lear Model 60 in Columbia, South Carolina. Travis Barker was one of two passengers who survived the crash that killed the flight crew and two passengers.

Crew performance issues started long before the aircraft started takeoff. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis share a minute-by-minute analysis. They uncover issues with operations, briefing inadequacies and crew actions.

They dissect known issues with the tires used on the aircraft. John shares his maintenance expertise to provide insight into pressure leak down issues and the unique stresses experienced by airplane tires. He shares signs of inadequate work done by the charter company maintenance department.

The National Transportation Safety Board report attributed the accident to tire bursts during take-off and the pilot's resulting decision to abort at high speed. This analysis also gives weight to the impact of loose operating procedures and pilot distraction or fatigue.

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Episode 87

Several recent airplane crashes appear to be the result of rusty pilots not following pre-flight checklists and best practices. John, Greg and Todd talk about the difference between accidents that are caused by some anomaly and crashes that result from intentional or negligent actions.

Initial information indicates that 2021 is rife with crashes. This episode examines emerging trends. They discuss initial information and investigative questions raised by several recent incidents.

John is congratulated for being named as a 2021 recipient of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award. The award honors outstanding living Americans who, by their efforts over an extended period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics, and have reflected credit upon America and themselves.

Other news discussed includes potential changes in the top ranks of the NTSB and indications that the crash of MH370 was the result of murder-suicide with known details not fully shared with the public.

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Episode 86

The NTSB has finished the investigation into a 2011 crash of a Cessna 421 but the Flight Safety Detectives have issues with the listed probable cause. Further investigation reveals a completely different root cause. Greg, John and Todd go through the details to reveal important aviation safety findings.

While the NTSB cited the failure of right engine cam gears, missed was evidence that the engine sustained a lightning strike. “The NTSB stopped at the obvious and didn’t dig deeper,” Greg notes.

They dissect the flight, the issues presented handling a fully loaded plane with one engine, known and unknown maintenance issues and much more. They provide safety benefits that are missing from the NTSB report. General aviation pilots will understand the importance of contingency planning to allow for smart decision making when issues crop up in flight.

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Episode 85

The pilot and six passengers were injured when a Cape Air Cessna 402 crashed just past the runway of Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC) in Massachusetts on Sept 9. Information is just starting to be collected but Greg, John and Todd already see key takeaways to benefit every pilot.

The NTSB has launched an investigation. Questions to look at include the role of weather – did water on the runway impact an attempted landing? What does Flight Radar 24 and Flight Aware data offer and is the fidelity good enough to draw any conclusions? The flight was delayed at takeoff – what role did that play?

John, Greg and Todd explore the many questions and factors that could have played a role in the accident. The details to emerge so far indicate this event provides both commercial and general aviation pilots and mechanics with important takeaways.

Image credit: @DrewKaredes on Twitter

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Episode 84

Ignore that seemingly mundane safety bulletin at your own peril. John, Greg and guest Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, talk about the importance of knowing and acting on all levels of service instructions.

Three levels of service instructions are routinely issued for aircraft. Service letters are generally informational. Service Bulletins ask for a higher level of attention and action. Airworthiness Directives indicate a serious safety issue. John, Greg and Jason argue that each is worthy of attention because they all improve aircraft safety.

They share first-hand experiences of negative outcomes when service information is ignored or completed incorrectly. They argue that the time and cost needed to track and address these notices are important investments every airplane owner needs to make.

Special advice is offered for anyone in the market to purchase a plane. Some research and asking the right questions can go a long way to getting full disclosure on the status of all related service bulletins.

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Episode 83

Guest Jonathan Rupprecht of Rupprecht Law joins John and Todd for a discussion of a lawsuit related to recent FAA rulemaking involving drones. The new rule effectively puts drone pilots under surveillance and create significant limits on use.

Jonathan discusses his work with Tyler Brennan and RaceDayQuads to petition the FAA to reconsider the remote ID rule. The lawsuit is seeking to strike down the drone remote identification regulations as illegal.

The rule requires, among other things, that a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties.

Listen as they discuss the implications of the rule. Jonathan shares knowledge of related cases and Fourth Amendment concerns.

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Episode 82

USAir Flight 1493, a Boeing 737-300, collided with SkyWest Flight 5569, a Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner turboprop aircraft, upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport in Feb.1991. John led the machinist’s union investigation and discusses the chain of events that led to this accident.

The air traffic local controller was distracted by a series of abnormalities when Flight 1493 was on final approach. The SkyWest flight was told to taxi into takeoff position while the USAir flight was landing on the same runway. It was crushed under the 737.

The exit at the front of the Boeing were jammed and could not be opened. Other exit doors were also compromised, leaving the over wing exit as the only egress. The fuel ignited and caused an intense fire. All 12 people aboard the smaller plane were killed, as well as 23 occupants of the Boeing.

The machinist team found themselves having to stabilize the accident scene, working around many victims. They worked alongside other investigators as all the facts were gathered.

The National Transportation Safety Board found that the probable cause of the accident was the procedures in use at the LAX control tower and inadequate oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration for failing to supervise the control tower managers. The crash led directly to the NTSB's recommendation of using different runways for takeoffs and landings at LAX. It also led to changes in procedures for use of aircraft safety exits.

Greg and John also discuss content being shared online about recent accidents that is incorrect and misleading. The unsubstantiated conclusions being shared are doing a disservice to aviation safety. They stress that proper accident investigation takes time to dig into all the facts.

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Episode 81

Greg was the investigator in charge of the National Transportation Safety Board investigation of Korean Air Flight 801. He shares backstories not in the report to add to understanding of the accident and aftermath.

Flight 801 crashed on August 6, 1997, killing 229of the 254 people aboard. The aircraft crashed on Nimitz Hill in Guam while on approach to the airport.The NTSB final report cites poor communication between the flight crew as probable cause for the air crash, along with the captain's poor decision-making.

Learn more about:

• Delays in response to the accident scene
• Allowing families to grieve at the site
• Training shortcomings
• Crew resource management issues
• Delays in decision making and execution

Greg shares details about the role of the minimum safe altitude warning system (MSAW), the partial outage of the Guam ILS system, and cultural factors that impeded cockpit dynamics.

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael A. Meyers, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Episode 80

Oshkosh 2021 was an adventure! More than 600,000 people and 10,000 planes were onsite. Greg and John took it all in and share the highlights.

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital was a special exhibit. John had worked on the plane when it was in service for an airline. The Flying Eye Hospital is a state-of-the-art teaching facility complete with operating room, classroom and recovery room. Part of the innovation is a modular interior.

Several unique restored planes were on display. Greg talks about the plane from the 1950s Sky King television show. He also shares the fascinating history of a restored Aero Commander 500 that served as Air Force One to transport President Eisenhower to his Pennsylvania farm.

The event was well attended by Flight Safety Detectives listeners. Greg and John enjoyed meeting folks. Comments from those conversations and emails will be used to shape future shows. Expect to hear more about the nuts and bolts of accident investigation, dissections of lesser-known investigations and more!

John and Greg also examine 10 flight instruction related accidents that happened in a recent two-week period. They are looking for trends. Observations include lack of operational discipline, rusty skills following 2020 shutdowns, and over-reliance on technology.

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Episode 79

TWA Flight 514 crashed into Mount Weather in Virginia in 1974 and changed aviation safety forever. This accident led to the creation of the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS).

The TWA 727 crash was due in part to ambiguous information provided to the crew. As a result of the accident, the FAA and NASA created ASRS. The ASRS lets aviation system users contribute lessons and safety issues. Information is used to resolve aviation system issues.

Keys to the success of the program include its voluntary nature, focus on safety, and immunity from sanctions for self-reported unintentional violations.

John, Greg and Todd also provide updates on the Trans Air crash in Hawaii and recent general aviation accidents.

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Episode 78

This conversation covers emerging information about Transair Flight 810. The plane crashed in the ocean on July 2 shortly after takeoff from Honolulu.

John, Greg and Todd raise a series of questions important to the investigation:

• Air traffic control handling of the incident
• Flight path after the engine failure
• Engine history and maintenance
• Safety performance of cockpit seats and harness

They stress that there are safety benefits to learn from every crash, even when an older airplane is involved. As information is released, questions will likely lead to more questions to answer.

This episode also covers recent accidents in Colorado, Texas, Montana and Massachusetts. Record-breaking heat across the US may be impacting aircraft performance.

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Episode 77

The number of serious aircraft accidents is on the upswing. Greg, John and Todd talk about the accumulating numbers and wonder if COVID shutdowns have led to rusty pilot skills.

The July 2 accident in Hawaii also leads to reflection on the July 2, 1994 crash of USAir Flight 1016. Greg and John were both involved. They offer insight to what investigators may already be doing.

They also cover the release of the government UAP report. The U.S. government has officially acknowledged that UAPs represent a threat to aviation safety and national security. The government plans a structured and formal process for collecting and analyzing UAP events.

The civil aviation community can directly support these policy changes by becoming more familiar with UAPs and why the U.S. government considers them a serious issue. Pilots should be prepared to take appropriate action during or after a UAP encounter.

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Episode 76

Greg and John discuss breaking news of a 737 crash in Hawaii on July 2.

A Boeing 737 cargo plane crashed off the coast of Hawaii after experiencing engine trouble. The aircraft departed Honolulu airport but went down in the water soon after taking off. The Coast Guard rescued both pilots from the sea.

The pilot reported one engine out and second very hot. John and Greg say the preliminary information calls for a look at the fuel. Was the plane fueled up improperly?

The plane is in the ocean, which will present a challenge for investigators.

This 15 minute analysis of this breaking aviation safety event covers early investigative clues and offers possible causes.

Photo: Chris Hoare - Trimming version of File:N810TA at Honolulu International Airport.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107181040

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Episode 75

This episode focuses on the US Navy report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). Greg, John and Todd talk about the issues covered in the report from the perspective of flight safety.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued the Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena on June 25. The Navy videos confirmed to be authentic by the US government are part of the discussion.

They also talk about UAP related data gathered via the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) confidential safety reporting system operated by NASA on behalf of FAA. The focus is on gathering chain of events and human performance information.

They suggest that the many credible UAP sightings are worthy of continued investigation. It’s important to keep an open mind to get to the facts.

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Episode 74

Todd Curtis of airsafe.com joins John and Greg for a look at the alarming rise in unruly passenger behavior on flights. Fistfights, attempts to open cabin doors and more are disrupting flights.

They outline the federal rules and regulations in play as well as airline policies to attempt to keep everyone on board safe. Offenders are prosecuted in federal courts and risk federal prison.

Advice for passengers who encounter unruly behavior on board:

• Try to diffuse the situation
• Help flight crews by encouraging fellow passengers to follow the rules
• Document bad behavior to aid in prosecutions to deter bad actors

As more people return to the skies, they remind everyone of the saying, “Time to spare? Go by air.” Give yourself ample time to get to the airport and board your flight to avoid getting stressed and frustrated. That alone can make the return to air travel safer for everyone.

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Episode 73

Airports are humming again with COVID restrictions being lifted. That has John and Greg talking about commercial airline safety.

The focus of this episode is maintenance lessons learned from the 1979 American Airlines DC10 accident in Chicago. Greg was just coming on board NTSB when the investigation began and John knows several of the key players involved.

The DC10 involved had recently had maintenance done that required removal of the engine. The work compromised the pylon arm that comes out from the wing to the top of the engine. The engine fell off on takeoff just 10 days later.

John and Greg walk through the accident and key findings. They also talk about safety recommendations that were never implemented.

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Photo: Elwood Driver of NTSB shows the nut and bolt that broke on American Airlines Flight 191, causing the engine to fall from the DC-10, May 27, 1979. Driver was holding a press conference at the Sheraton O'Hare Hotel, showing a fatigue fracture of the pylon bolt. (Don Casper/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

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Episode 72

Rebecca Lutte from University of Nebraska and Cassandra Bosco of TailWinds Communications Inc visit to talk about attracting more people to careers in aviation. Special focus is closing gender gaps and access for underserved communities.

Wide-ranging programs and resources are highlighted. Many organizations are working on efforts to create and sustain interest in aviation industry careers.

If you want to start or advance a career in aviation, this episode offers the inspiration you need! This are also great ideas for experienced professionals who want to play a role in mentoring the next generation.

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Photo: Throwback! John Goglia serves as a guest lecturer at University of Nebraska circa 2000.

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Episode 71

This special episode celebrates the legacy of Charlie Taylor as the father if aircraft maintenance. Taylor built the first aircraft engine used by the Wright brothers in the Wright Flyer. He set the professional standards followed by professional aircraft mechanics today.

Special guests are:

• Ken Mactiernan, Director at the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association
• David Supplee, President/Directing General Chair at Air Transport District 142, IAMAW
• Chris Moore and Bob Fisher, International Representatives, Airline Division at International Brotherhood of Teamsters

The professionalism defined by Taylor has served as the foundation of aviation safety as the industry has evolved. Looking to the future, aircraft mechanics are playing important roles in SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and unmanned drone flight.

The discussion covers many ways professional excellence is fostered today. The Aerospace Maintenance Competition held in ​in conjunction with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas lets current and future maintenance professionals showcase their abilities and see how they stack up against peers across the country. The FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics, including John Goglia.

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Photo: Charlie Taylor and Wilbur Wright attach a canoe onto a new Flyer at Governor's Island New York, October 1909, by George Grantham Bain Collection - Library of Congress Catalog

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Episode 70

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students get real about their school and their education. Hear how COVID and online learning impacted them. Be prepared to be wowed by their passion for aviation!

John and Greg talk about the many opportunities for people with the skills taught at ERAU – in aviation as well as other fields. They talk about current needs as well as what the future might hold with developments like drones, travel to Mars and more.

If you have a passion for aviation, this episode will get you excited about the next generation of leaders.

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Episode 69

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University masters students share details from their research into safety issues in aviation. Greg and John make connections between the research and their own experiences.

They go in depth on the issue of carry-on bags in cases of aircraft evacuation. Research has generated quantitative data on how passengers impact safety when they avoid the advice to leave carry-on bags behind.

Other research highlights the importance of safety management systems in all areas of transportation. SMS make safety a core value and provide an effective tool for managing any kind of business.

The students also reflect on their paths to pursuing interests in aviation and safety.

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Episode 68

Live from the campus of Embry-Riddle in Daytona, Florida! John, Greg and guest Bob Joyce talk about the focus on safety, quality and professionalism in all aspects of the university.

The curriculum at Embry-Riddle covers the operation, engineering, research, manufacturing, marketing, and management of modern aircraft and the systems that support them. Bob Joyce is the university’s director of aviation safety.

Greg reflects on his time as a student and how the safety-first approach has influenced his career. Embry-Riddle has strong safety management systems (SMS) and leads in bringing a safety culture to all aspects of aviation.

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Episode 67

The United Airlines engine failure is back in the news. Service bulletins and/or airworthiness directives may be issued soon. Investigation of fire suppression issues continue. Three months after the accident, issues related to crew performance are just surfacing.

John and Greg catch listeners up on the investigation, how it is illustrating NTSB shortcomings, and the need for the FAA to revisit increasingly outdated flight regulations.

FAA Drone Rules Change in April

Loretta Alkalay, retired FAA regional counsel and avid drone user, returns to update listeners about new drone rules. The FAA rules have been clarified, but many drone users are still not aware of regulations that apply to them.

Hot Mic Rant Raises Safety Concerns

A Southwest Airlines pilot was caught on a hot mic making an expletive-filled rant against the San Francisco Bay Area. The unidentified pilot was heard on a radio frequency as the flight taxied for departure.

John and Greg wonder if a pilot who is so angry can be focused on flying safely. Probably not.

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Episode 66

The NTSB preliminary report of a March 27 helicopter crash in Alaska that killed five people sheds little light on the cause. John, Greg, and guest Jason Lukasik explore the many factors that could have contributed to the fatal accident.

The onsite inspection is the most important part of the investigation. In this case, the investigation is stalled by poor weather conditions.

Speaking of Alaska, Where’s the Report from the 2019 Roundtable?

Greg and John are still looking for some kind of report from the NTSB “Most Wanted List Roundtable: Alaska Part 135 Flight Operations Charting a Safer Course” event hosted by the NTSB. Jason attended and found that there were many valuable discussions during the day.

Piper Woes Continue

The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin to address the wing spar bolt hole washer issue raised in Episode 65. Hear about the complications a manufacturer error adds to this already frustrating topic for Piper owners.

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Photo: Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

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Episode 65

Mandated inspections are being performed on Piper PA28 aircraft based on airworthiness directive AD 2020-26-16. The Flight Safety Detectives offer an update on progress. Listen for what to do and what not to do for affected aircraft.

Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, returns to share preliminary data collected. The cracking issue that prompted in the AD is present in about 5% of airplanes inspected so far.

Good news for aircraft owners is that the inspection cost is down to about $700. Bad news is that several mechanics seem to be ignoring the proper procedures for inspections and fixes.

They cover a range of questions and reports from the field including:

• An alternate means of compliance (AMOC) that seems ill-advised
• Importance of using the proper hardware as outlined in the AD
• Simple process for conducting proper inspection

They discuss the possibility that the FAA may include more planes in the AD once data is collected.

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Episode 64

The Federal Aviation Administration took a hit as Congress investigated issues with the 737 Max. What needs to be done to rebuild the FAA’s worldwide stature? How will they regain trust in their certification process?

Guest is Sandy Murdock who served as FAA Chief Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for all rulemaking, environmental, acquisition, personnel, and ethical and litigation matters. Sandy led the FAA legal effort on PATCO strike and was the principal FAA spokesperson with the media for all strike related matters. He also served as Acting FAA Deputy Administrator.

John shares his experience as part of FAA alignment efforts with the European air safety agency, EASA. John recalls promises that were never completed, contributing to friction between the agencies.

Sandy offers perspectives of the many demands on the FAA. He looks at what the agency is equipped to accomplish and offers thoughts in potential paths forward.

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Episode 63

Crew resource management (CRM) and safety management systems (SMS) get the spotlight in this discussion. These systems help build safety into every flight.

Special guest is listener Amy Wright, a self-professed “safety nerd” who says she gets “out of breath with excitement” talking about quality processes and safety procedures. Hear about the benefits of well-crafted processes in aviation and beyond.

Systems that encourage everyone to work together have changed the nature of cockpit operations. The pilot is not the only decision maker – he or she is part of a team communicating, sharing information and making decisions.

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Episode 62

Catastrophe averted? A Frontier A320 Airbus was set to take off from Nashville when a passenger noticed the deicing looked strange. He alerted the flight crew to the green liquid sitting on top of ice and snow on the wings.

John and Greg share the details of what may have happened, going beyond news coverage of the incident. They offer their insider knowledge of deicing procedures.

Among the insights:

• Deicing is extremely expensive for airlines
• Why some flight crews like to avoid “shooting” their planes
• Value of listening to observations from people onboard

Greg shares a story from a recent flight with expert mechanic Jason Lukasik. When Jason noticed a crack in the wing skin of a relatively new Embraer in flight, even he had trouble convincing the flight crew to take note.

The episode includes a review of the latest NTSB update on the United Airlines 777 engine explosion. The Flight Safety Detectives discuss the details shared and items not yet mentioned. John has some predictions for what’s next.

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Episode 61

Discussion of the United Airlines 777 engine explosion continues with guest Mike Borfitz. The focus is the three systems that make up the engine cowling.

At the initial NTSB hearing, the chairman was pointed in saying that the recent event was technically a contained engine failure. Yet, most industry experts say the evidence points to an uncontained failure.

Borfitz is an FAA designated engineering representative. He shares his knowledge of current regulations and expectations. Among his key points is that airframe manufacturers and engine manufacturers must work together to prevent future disasters.

John, Greg and Mike walk through the evidence so far. They discuss the three separate systems that make up an airframe’s engine cowling and how they interface with the engine.

Is it time for regulations to be updated to reflect the current aircraft and engine design and technology? Are new approaches needed to cowling design?

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Episode 60

John and Greg are giving meticulous attention to information available on the recent United Airlines engine explosion. In this episode they share their initial expert observations and predict what’s next.

Learn what the evidence so far really shows from two of the world’s most experienced accident investigators.

They explain why the crew and air traffic control personnel who handled the flight were “the ideal scenario for handling the situation.” The outcome could have been far worse.

John shares his extensive knowledge of Pratt & Whitney 4000 series engines. He walks listeners through the critical components. He discusses the forces the fan blades need to endure. He walks through the components and maintenance procedures.

What’s next? John and Greg talk about the implications of mandated inspections. They also have some predictions for potential actions such as declaring blades in service for a certain period of time at end of life.

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Episode 59

John and Greg talk about special considerations for pilots who rent airplanes. They share anecdotes of incidents where pilots in rented aircraft ran into safety issues.

Part of the in-depth discussion is advice for pilots: Don’t assume anything when renting a plane. Check maintenance records and do a thorough preflight every time.

They encourage pilots who encounter issues with rentals to report concerns to benefit the safety of the next person in the cockpit.

The conversation takes them to a renewed call for the NTSB to invest more effort in investigating general aviation accidents. They contend that the current criteria for determining when the NTSB will send investigators is flawed.

Critical data is not being collected. Safety insights are being missed. Probable cause findings are based on superficial information.

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Episode 58

John and Greg catch listeners up with some major aviation news. Findings are being shared from the Kobe Bryant crash investigation. The 737-500 crash in Indonesia may be the result of a known issue. Piper single engine aircraft now have an airworthiness directive to be addressed along with two service bulletins.

The NTSB Sunshine Hearing about the 2020 Calabasas helicopter crash

covered expected findings related to weather, spatial awareness and preflight planning. Missing was mention of situational awareness and weather avoidance.

The throttle is the focus of the investigation into the January crash of a 737-500. The plane maintenance history does not make clear if a 2001 Airworthiness Directive related to throttle and thrust issues had been completed.

Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, returns for continued discussion of the service bulletins and airworthiness directive related to Piper single engine aircraft. The different issues addressed in SB 1224C, SB 1304A and AD 2020-26-16 are covered.

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Episode 57

The FAA’s role in flight safety has evolved over the years. This episode covers the Safety Management System (SMS), the potential expansion into charter aviation, and the value of building a safety culture in all types of aviation. Aspects of FAA operations – past, present and future – are discussed.

The episode continues a conversation with John Allen, Manager at Allen and Associates Consulting, LLC. His expertise includes the military, airline industry and FAA.

Allen reflects on his time at JetBlue and the focused effort to implement SMS there. The culture changes brought with that process made it a better organization for safety, operational discipline, and risk management.

“Just culture,” a concept that emphasizes that mistakes are not solely brought about by the person or persons directly involved, also gets a look. In a just culture, after an incident, the question asked is, “What went wrong?” rather than “Who caused the problem?” A just culture is the opposite of a blame culture, which has been especially prevalent in aircraft maintenance operations.

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Photo: Matthew G. Bisanz

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Episode 56

The FAA has taken a hit following high-profile crashes of the 737 Max. Investigators and congressional hearings have laid the blame on the FAA aircraft certification process and its too-close relationship with Boeing. Will the agency be able to restore its reputation?

Guest is John Allen, Manager at Allen and Associates Consulting, LLC. His resume includes service in the US military as well as leadership roles at the FAA and JetBlue.

The discussion takes a candid look at the issues. They also explore the FAA’s leadership in many areas of aviation safety.

This episode offers an insider look at the internal workings of the FAA as well as the challenges of balancing safety and economics. They also explain the role of regulatory authorities around the globe.

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Episode 55

Is complacency seeping into all areas of aviation? From pilots doing casual preflights to the NTSB’s continued refusal to do on-site investigations for most aviation accidents, John and Greg have safety concerns at all levels.

The safety culture of aviation is stagnating. The findings of the Rand Report – written more than 20 years ago – have not been implemented. It outlines issues with the NTSB organizational culture that persist today. The result is a decrease in the board’s role as stated in the report: “The NTSB must be an open and impartial agent pursuing the cause of aviation.”

It is a tragedy that the NTSB is not going to the scene of general aviation accidents to collect information. Safety insights are being lost as investigators resort to superficial probable cause statements.

This episode also looks at issues caused by COVID-19 disruptions, from the complexities of bringing planes back to service to people losing skills from inactivity. Was COVID a factor in the recent 737 crash in Indonesia?

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Episode 54

Light Sport Aircraft are the focus of this discussion. Changes to FAA rules and regulations now under review could result in a major loosening of safety rules for affected planes.

The FAA is proposing to change the rules and regulations related to LSAs, allowing aircraft in the category to be larger and more complex. John, Greg and expert Jason Lukasik explore implications for flight safety.

While every maintenance bulletin must be followed on LSAs, the use of consensus standards can make the work more challenging.

Listener questions are answered related to the Piper PA28 Airworthiness Directive (Episode 50) and propeller safety (Episode 46). The discussion also covers recent general aviation accidents with fatalities.

Image credit: B H Conway, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Episode 53

The NTSB investigation of the tragic 2006 crash of a single-engine Cessna 206 was attributed to pilot error. Although evidence has surfaced that questions that conclusion, the findings have not been changed and appeals have been denied.

Guests for this episode are Yatish Joshi, pilot Georgina Joshi’s father and an experienced pilot, and his wife Joan. They tell the story of their journey to find the truth.

The lack of NTSB resources devoted to general aviation accidents is a disturbing safety trend illustrated by this crash. Pilot error is the attributed cause in more than 85% of cases, potentially missing the true lessons that can be learned from thorough accident investigation.

Invisible Sky is a documentary created about this accident. John and Greg believe the film is important for everyone in the GA community to see, as well as anyone who is interested in aviation safety.

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Episode 52

More than 430 lives have been saved by the BRS Whole Aircraft Rescue Parachute System. John and Greg welcome BRS Managing Director and President Enrique Dillon to get all the details about the system.

BRS invented the Whole Aircraft Rescue Parachute System in 1980. Since then, the system has been installed on more than 35,000 aircraft. It is a safety option that can be installed on virtually any general aviation plane.

The discussion covers the details of proper installation and maintenance. Tips are offered for pilots to make this safety system part of safe operations.

Listen also for other aviation details and Greg and John’s take on the best leadership for the FAA.

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Episode 51

Experienced pilot Bob Jenkins joins Greg and John for this look at piloting challenges in business and charter aviation. COVID-19 is leading to increased interest in these flight options as a way to avoid the crowds of commercial aviation.

Pilots face demands of both aircraft and flight readiness. Pilots must be prepared to make flight safety decisions, even when they are unpopular with the employer on board.

Jenkins discusses the dangers of automation dependence, handling missed approaches, the importance of good relationships with maintenance crews and more. The value of professionalism is highlighted.

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Photo by Edwin Leong

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Guest Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, walks John and Greg through the recent Airworthiness Directive related to PA 28 Series planes. Jason shares his firsthand experience encountering dramatic corrosion on Piper wing spars.

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Episode 49

Special guest is Dr Chuck Dennison, forensic and aviation psychologist, who specializes in neuropsychological evaluations for the FAA. He talks about how he tests cognitive function to ensure pilots have the mental acuity to fly safely.

Greg and John explore the many conditions that can trigger the need for assessment such as head injury, substance abuse issues, and conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. The FAA medical certificate process is an important aspect of aviation safety.

They also discuss the potential for long-term neurological impacts on individuals who contract COVID-19.

With the Boeing 737 Max airplane approved to return to service, John and Greg recap their findings related to the high-profile accidents that led to the grounding. Calling it “the safest airplane flying,” they call on the industry to be vigilant about the training and maintenance needed to keep the Max safely in service.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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John and Greg kick off this episode with a new segment – WTF. They talk about several recent accident reports that identify unbelievable neglect of basic safety procedures.

“Stupid or not stupid, all these accidents take a toll on investigators and the people left behind,” John comments. The detectives plan future WTF segments to highlight the things that can and will happen when safety procedures are ignored.

This episode also covers the increasing prevalence of prescription and non-prescription drug use in all areas of aviation. A recent NTSB study of toxicology reports from fatal accidents reveals growing incidences of drug use.

Greg advocates for all pilots to make use of the “I’m Safe” and “Are You Fit to Fly” profile tools offered by the FAA.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

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Episode 47

Jump in for a deep dive into emergency response in aviation. All sectors of the industry need to plan and prepare for emergency scenarios like crashes and much more.

Special guest is Mark Dombroff, partner in the Northern Virginia office of Fox Rothschild and co-chair of the firm’s aviation practice.

The conversation covers what goes into an effective emergency response and the importance of regular reviews and exercises. Listen to understand why companies need to have a plan to respond and answer to a range of scenarios worldwide.

They also introduce some industry resources:

• The Aviation Emergency Response Organization (AERO), a non-profit that provides education and events for emergency response professionals from all aspects of the aviation industry worldwide, http://www.aviationemergency.org/
• The annual aviation symposium that will be an all-online event in Feb. 2021, https://plane-lyspoken.foxrothschild.com/2020/11/19/the-2021-aviation-symposium/

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Episode 46

Prop strikes are pretty common. Even seemingly minor nicks and gouges can lead to major safety issues.

John and Greg focus on propellers as the “ugly stepsisters” of aircraft maintenance. They dive into an accident involving a LancAir 4P caused when a damaged prop lead to engine failure.

In his years of service as a mechanic, John has seen plenty of engine damage caused by prop strikes. Greg layers in accident investigation work to illustrate just how important propellers are for aircraft safety.

This episode challenges every mechanic and pilot to give more attention to the humble propeller. Any abnormalities are worthy of thorough investigation.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Episode 45

Weather caused Flight 4182 to be in a holding pattern to land on October 31, 1994. Weather also triggered a fateful series of events that led to the loss of the aircraft and 68 lives.

John and Greg offer a minute by minute analysis of the cockpit voice recorder. They believe this was the event that woke the industry up to the effects of icing on aircraft.

The NTSB accident report focuses on communicating hazardous weather information to flightcrews, Federal regulations regarding aircraft icing, and training for icing events.

The accident is a reminder for pilots as the season of wintry weather conditions approaches. Be present in the cockpit mentally. Push away distractions and focus on the machine.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Photo credit: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Episode 44

This episode starts when Greg got the call about the tragic crash of American Eagle Flight 4184. He walks through the first week of responding to the accident scene as the NTSB Investigator in Charge.

Insights:

• First crash site where NTSB biohazard protocols were applied
• How “why” questions lead to thorough on-scene information gathering
• Roles of the various teams and parties involved in the investigation process
• Importance of the field notes process
• The story told by debris patterns

John and Greg share their expertise on the workings of plane de-icing systems. Listeners get an inside look at how weather, aircraft operation and aircraft certification emerged as leading factors in the crash.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance, an aviation insurance company that--like the detectives--values training and safety as means to ensure safe flying for all.

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Episode 43

The NTSB is still not doing onsite accident investigations...A pilot landing in Colorado decides to ignore the rules...Long-term health impacts of COVID could impact pilots, mechanics and flight attendants...Greg and John focus on these topics in their latest episode.

A recent accident in Buffalo prompted two senators to write a letter to the NTSB asking for an onsite investigation. The Board responded that they are not visiting accident scenes and deferred to the FAA for on-scene information gathering.

Greg and John continue to call on the NTSB to do its mandated job. They discuss the impact on aviation safety now and into the future.

This episode also analyzes a midair collision involving a Beech A36 Bonanza and a Robinson R44 Raven II in 2018 at Northern Colorado Regional Airport. The Beech pilot chose to set aside the rules and flew over the Robinson with disastrous results.

They wrap up with a discussion of COVID. People with even minor cases are reporting loss of taste and brain fog. Sense of smell is important to just about every aviation role on the ground

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Episode 42

The NTSB is considered a non-essential service and on-site accident investigations have been suspended during COVID-19. With no one on site to gather facts and evidence, John and Greg ask if the NTSB is needed anymore.

Even before the pandemic, the agency had an increasing case backlog. Reports that have been issued recently are incomplete and offer scant safety insight.

John and Greg find the recent NTSB reports inadequate to identify risks and determine effective mitigation. The reports lack the evidence to support the stated probable causes and offer little safety insight.

As John and Greg celebrate the one-year anniversary of Flight Safety Detectives, they use their straight-talking platform to call out the agency they have both proudly served for failing to do its job.

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Greg and John examine the transcript of the cockpit voice recorder from American Flight 1420, a MD-80 that crashed at Little Rock Airport in 1999. Greg served as the NTSB investigator in charge (IIC) and John was part of the headquarters support team.

The 30-min recording reveals the pilots were racing the weather as well as fatigue from a long workday. John and Greg walk through the conversation reflected in the recording, highlighting how different decisions could have changed the deadly outcome.

They offer insights beyond the words of the transcript. What isn’t said and done is as compelling as what is documented in the CVR.

Greg and John discuss the process of looking at the aftermath to determine the cause and what could be learned. Findings led to checklist and operational procedures changes as well as configuration updates at the Little Rock airport.

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Episode 40

Assumptions and expectations in all roles in aviation often lead to the most serious accidents. John and Greg share anecdotes that illustrate the point.

This is a trying time for air travel and air safety. Greg and John are frustrated by the growing number of accidents that are not being investigated by either the NTSB or FAA. They wonder out loud why investigators, who have ample biohazard training, are not able to visit accident scenes to do their job?

Special focus is on American Flight 1420, a MD-80 that crashed at Little Rock Airport in 1999. Greg served as the NTSB investigator in charge (IIC) and John was part of the headquarters support team.

Listen to this wind up to Episode 41, which will dissect the cockpit voice recorder recovered from the Flight 1420 crash site.

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8 

Episode 39

John and Greg often make the point that flight safety involves both hangar and cockpit. This episode illustrates the point.

They walk through an accident involving a Cessna 177 Cardinal. The plane was in for annual maintenance. Although the mechanic had signed off in the logbook, the final run up was not completed before the pilot retrieved the plane.

The plane crashed shortly after takeoff. The investigation found no oil left in the engine. A loose oil cooler line suspected.

John and Greg highlight the need for mechanic and pilot to share information. Each individually has due diligence responsibilities as well as a shared responsibility to communicate.

This episode includes a big announcement. Avemco Insurance Company has joined the Flight Safety Detectives team as a primary sponsor!