Flight Safety Detectives

Three New Aviation Events Everyone in Aviation Should Know About - Episode 337 Jul 15, 2026

A cargo Boeing 737 plunges into the Arabian Sea. A seaplane crashes near Manhattan but everyone survives. And an executive jet narrowly misses an unidentified silver object at 16,000 feet.

In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, aviation safety experts John Goglia and Todd Curtis examine three recent aviation events and explain what they reveal about today's aviation safety challenges.

The episode begins with the tragic crash of a K2 Airways Boeing 737-400 cargo aircraft that departed Sharjah, UAE, bound for Karachi, Pakistan. The airplane entered a steep dive and crashed into the Arabian Sea, killing all five people on board.

John reviews the aircraft's long operational history—including its years flying for Aeroflot—and discusses how the aircraft's age, cargo operation, and the limited public attention to the accident could affect the investigation and what we ultimately learn from it.

John and Todd then turn to the July accident involving a Kodiak 100 seaplane operating near Manhattan. The aircraft suffered a hard landing that appeared to collapse one of its floats. Everyone on board survived without serious injury.

Todd analyzes passenger video from the accident, highlighting what it reveals about the forces involved, the importance of floatplane emergency preparedness, and why several passengers appeared unsure where to locate their personal flotation devices.

The episode concludes with a discussion of a mysterious near miss involving an executive jet flying near New York that encountered an unidentified silver object at approximately 16,000 feet. Todd highlights the need for additional information and what questions investigators still need to answer.

Join John and Todd as they separate facts from speculation, explore what investigators know so far, and explain the aviation safety lessons emerging from these recent events.

✈️ Subscribe for expert analysis of aviation accidents, incidents, and the safety issues affecting pilots, airlines, mechanics, and passengers worldwide.

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Three People Die in One Tragic Flight - Episode 336 Jul 08, 2026

A routine flight turned into a tragedy that raises difficult questions about pilot decision-making, flight school oversight, and the risks of night flying.

In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, Greg Feith, John Goglia, and Todd Curtis examine the fatal June 2026 crash that claimed the life of a newly certificated private pilot and two passengers. Using available ADS-B flight data and their decades of aviation safety experience, they explore the unusual sequence of events including multiple touch-and-go landings in Ocean City, New Jersey, a climb to nearly 9,000 feet, unexplained changes in speed, and a crash just miles from the intended destination.

Could the touch-and-go landings have been an attempt to meet FAA night passenger currency requirements? Was another aircraft from the same flight school flying alongside the accident airplane? What role, if any, did the flight school's practices play in this tragedy?

The hosts carefully separate facts from speculation while highlighting the critical questions investigators should answer. Their discussion provides valuable insight into how experienced accident investigators analyze incomplete evidence and why understanding the "why" behind an accident is essential to improving aviation safety.

This episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based look at a heartbreaking event and the lessons that may emerge from it.

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Aviation Misadventures Explored in June Livestream Recording - Episode 335 Jul 01, 2026

John Goglia and Todd Curtis went live on June 22 to answer listener questions and give to-the-moment updates on several recent aviation safety events.

They cover several recent misadventures:

A near miss at Boston’s Logan airport involving American Airlines and Delta aircraft.
A skydiving crash in Missouri
The crash of a NetJets Cessna 688 that was flying to Auston Texas

John and Todd offer the known details and share what may have gone wrong in each incident.

They also offer the latest information coming out of the investigation of the accident at LaGuardia airport. They go on to answer several listener questions.

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Aviation Investigations Uncover the Full Story - Episode 334 Jun 24, 2026

What can NASA safety reports tell us about the state of aviation after the pandemic? In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, former NTSB Board Member John Goglia and aviation safety analyst Todd Curtis dive into recent trends in NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), examining how reporting levels for Part 121 and Part 135 operators changed during and after the pandemic.

John and Todd also discuss the fatal June 7, 2026 crash of a Gulfstream G200 in the Dominican Republic. They explore how the investigation may unfold under Dominican authorities and explain why the resources available to an investigative agency don't necessarily determine the quality of the final findings.

The episode concludes with a deep dive into a 2023 fuel exhaustion accident involving a Cessna 172. After reviewing the NTSB Public Docket, John and Todd found critical background information that never made it into the final report. Their analysis highlights how additional details—including the pilot's recent passengers and the aircraft's possible weight at the time of the accident—can provide important context when evaluating pilot decisions and accident outcomes.

Don't miss this detailed discussion of accident investigations, safety reporting trends, and the lessons hidden in the details of aviation accident records.

Become a member for new episodes every week and join the conversation about improving aviation safety worldwide.

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Student Pilot Runs Out of Fuel - Episode 333 Jun 17, 2026

John Goglia and Todd Curtis examine an all-too-common aviation incident: fuel exhaustion.

Two pilots recently took off on a training flight that would start after midnight and end before dawn. They planned 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport, a 100-nautical-mile cross-country flight, refueling, and waiting until sunrise to practice additional maneuvers.

Unfortunately, they ran out of fuel short of the refueling stop and had to dodge wind turbines and power lines to safely land on a road. Because there were no damage or injuries, no report was published by the FAA or NTSB.

However, the incident was reported to the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS). John and Todd use that information to examine what happened and point out that they may have created avoidable dangers by planning to perform a challenging set of tasks for a single flight.

This episode also demonstrates how to use the ASRS to learn from those who submit reports, including events that could have ended in disaster. This episode could help you avoid this and other common aviation safety issues.

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Real Time Research into Unapproved Plane Parts - Episode 332 Jun 10, 2026

Todd Curtis and John Goglia share their real time research into unapproved parts in aviation. They use the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database to do their research.

See what they uncover as they investigate unapproved parts in aviation. They search reports from 1995 and later years to find instances of suspected unapproved or counterfeit parts.

Most of the five cases they dive into are found to be paperwork issues rather than actual fraudulent parts. John adds some historical context, discussing how events like Eastern Airlines going out of business and the U.S. leaving behind a substantial amount of aviation assets after the Vietnam war led to many undocumented parts and helicopter engines entering the global aviation market.

Learn about the history and issues surrounding unapproved parts in aviation maintenance from two aviation safety insiders.

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Can AI Improve Aviation Safety? - Episode 331 Jun 03, 2026

Can artificial intelligence (AI) make aviation safer? In this episode, Todd Curtis and John Goglia explore ways that AI tools are being used to analyze safety data, identify trends, and improve communication across the aviation industry.

Todd shares a project that uses the AI platform Claude along with reports from NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database to create a customized safety report modeled after the ASRS CALLBACK publication. The discussion highlights how AI can help aviation professionals uncover valuable insights from large volumes of safety data.

Todd and John discuss how aviation professionals can get better results by understanding how to guide AI tools and evaluate their output.

The conversation also explores how safety management system (SMS) managers can use AI to better understand organizational risks, identify emerging issues, and improve safety decision-making.

Todd demonstrates how AI can transform written content into concise, media-ready sound bites and shares a downloadable resource that viewers can use to create their own custom audio clips.

Whether you're an aviation professional, safety manager, mechanic, pilot, or simply interested in emerging technology, this episode offers practical examples of how AI may help shape the future of aviation safety.

Also in this show, John calls out the disservice of incorrect information being shared by one commenter on the UPS crash in Louisville, Kentucky. A prominent aviation safety podcaster who is also an airline pilot repeatedly talks about the #2 engine being affected by foreign object digestion (FOD), a fact not directly supported by the NTSB preliminary report.

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eVTOL Aircraft Face Critical Technical Challenges - Episode 329 May 20, 2026

New York City eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft test flights and global commercialization efforts are making headlines. Special guest Mike Borfitz, CEO of Kilroy Aviation and a safety certification engineer with more than 40 years of experience, explores critical technical challenges including battery limitations and software integration.

Mike, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia address regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and urban integration challenges. They discuss the unrealistic market expectations being promoted by manufacturers.

Mike predicts that accidents involving these aircraft are inevitable. Ground-based air traffic management will be essential for safe operations in crowded urban airspace. Emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) transportation revolution will likely succeed, but not in the way some companies in this sector are promising.

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Laguardia Crash Preliminary NTSB Findings - Episode 328 May 13, 2026

Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the details in the NTSB preliminary accident report about the March 22, 2026 fatal collision between an Air Canada Jazz regional jet and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport. The preliminary report offers a detailed timeline of the key events in the minutes before the accident.

The airliner struck a fire truck that was leading six other emergency vehicles across an active runway to deal with an emergency situation. The fire truck had been cleared to cross the runway. Shortly before the truck entered the runway, a controller ordered the fire truck to stop, but the truck entered the runway and collided with the airliner.
John has four key questions that he wants the NTSB to address in the final report:
1. Why didn’t airport authorities equip their emergency vehicles with transponders that would have given the controllers a more precise location of every vehicle?
2. Could the fire truck have stopped before reaching the runway?
3. Was the control tower communicating effectively?
4. Are the warning lights on the runway effective for separating aircraft from vehicles crossing the runway?

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Focus on Aviation Mechanics - Episode 327 May 06, 2026

In this recording of April’s livestream, Todd Curtis and John Goglia focus on all things related to aviation mechanics. John and Todd just completed their participation at the latest AMC MRO maintenance competition and they share the unique perspectives on the past, present and future of A&P mechanics.

👉 Hear what more than 500 competitors from across the globe achieved at the 2026 Aerospace Maintenance Council competition.

👉 Understand how the current shortage will impact everyone from the largest airlines to general aviation pilots.

👉 Hiring! A&P mechanic skills are valued in aviation and many other industries.

John and Todd also have an update on the recent accident at LaGuardia airport. The focus is on the roles played by air traffic controllers and transponders for managing ground traffic.

Flight Safety Detective channel members participated live and had questions about Air India 171 and much more!

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What Really Went Wrong at LaGuardia Airport - Episode 326 Apr 29, 2026

Todd Curtis and John Goglia did some digging beyond the official investigation of the tragic March 22, 2026 collision at LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada regional jet and an airport fire truck operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

This incident raises serious questions about airport ground safety—and what they have found may surprise you.

John digs into critical factors that could have contributed to the accident, including:
- Why the fire truck may not have been visible on radar
- How the lack of a transponder on emergency vehicles can create blind spots
- Whether runway lighting and visibility played a role
- The potential impact of color vision on interpreting critical warning signals

Despite having ground surveillance systems in place, air traffic controllers reportedly saw only two targets instead of seven separate vehicles.

So what went wrong? Could something as simple as visibility—or even color perception—have made the difference between a safe crossing and a fatal mistake?

This is a must-watch breakdown for pilots, aviation professionals, and anyone interested in how complex systems can fail under pressure.

👉 Watch now to understand the hidden risks on the runway—and what this accident could mean for the future of airport safety.

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Airport User Fees Reshape Aviation Safety- Episode 325 Apr 22, 2026

Controversial proposed landing fee increases at two airports in Mesa, Arizona could have ripple effects nationwide as more airports adopt user fees. What may look like a routine pricing update could significantly impact flight schools, student pilots, and the overall pilot training environment.

John Goglia, Greg Feith and Todd Curtis dive into a critical safety concern. As costs rise, pilots may shift training to less expensive, uncontrolled airports where they will miss out on essential real-world experience communicating with air traffic control. That tradeoff could have real safety implications.

John brings insider perspective from his work with airport authorities, revealing how fee structures don’t always align with the needs of pilots and aviation businesses. Together, the hosts explore how local financial decisions can unintentionally alter training quality, traffic patterns, and ultimately, aviation safety.

If you care about the future of flight training, airport policy, or aviation safety, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Aviation Industry Facing Critical Shortage- Episode 324 Apr 15, 2026

The aviation industry is facing a critical challenge—the growing shortage of aviation mechanics. Todd Curtis and John Goglia break down what’s driving it and why it matters now more than ever.

From an aging workforce to surging global demand for air travel, the need for skilled technicians is reshaping the future of aviation careers.

Go inside the high-energy Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC), where students, military teams, and industry pros compete head-to-head in real-world technical challenges. Top employers are also there actively scouting their next hires.

As airlines boost pay to attract talent, general aviation is feeling the strain. This has led to maintenance delays and impacts on flight training. Todd and John explore what this means for the broader industry and why now might be the perfect time to enter the field.

If you’re curious about aviation careers and the future of air travel, this episode offers a compelling look at where the industry is headed and how you can be part of it.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Behind the Scenes of a Real Aviation Accident Investigation - Episode 323 Apr 08, 2026

Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis take you inside the critical first day of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. Using the recent runway collision at LaGuardia Airport as a case study, they break down the unique challenges investigators face from the moment an accident occurs.

You’ll hear how the NTSB “Go Team” mobilizes—often from different corners of the country—and what happens when key personnel are delayed. Greg shares insights from his experience as an Investigator in Charge (IIC), including supporting leadership on scene and preparing officials for high-stakes press briefings where every word matters.

Get insider insight that only Greg and John can provide:

⚠️Why public communication must be precise, fact-based, and carefully controlled

⚠️How early decisions determine which parties join the investigation

⚠️When and why an accident investigation can shift into a criminal case

⚠️The evolving roles of agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Hear the behind-the-scenes information from TWA Flight 800 crash and the ValuJet Flight 592 crash that shows how complex, resource-intensive investigations uncover critical truths that aren’t always visible on day one.

Whether you’re an aviation professional, safety enthusiast, or just curious about how major investigations unfold, this episode offers a rare, insider perspective.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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LaGuardia Crash Breaking News - Episode 322 Mar 30, 2026

This recording of a Flight Safety Detectives livestream was recorded soon after the fatal collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport on March 22.

Greg Feith, Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the early facts related to the crash and compare the event to incidents they have investigated in their past roles with the NTSB and accident investigation.

The comparisons to the deadly crash near Reagan National Airport are striking. They look at recent developments that are politicizing the NTSB and how that may be impacting aviation safety.

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Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.

Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Air Safety Measure Becomes Ground Danger - Episode 321 Mar 25, 2026

The very system designed to save lives in the air becomes a hidden danger on the ground. Todd and John break down a January 2026 NTSB safety alert warning first responders about the risks posed by Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) after an aircraft accident.

While BRS have saved countless lives by deploying parachutes in emergencies, the explosive activation system can be dangerous after a crash. Hear about three real-world incidents where first responders were put at risk—either because they didn’t know a BRS was installed or didn’t fully understand the danger.

As these systems become more common across a wider range of small aircraft, the risk is growing and awareness isn’t keeping up.

In one chilling case, a crashed aircraft caught fire and the BRS deployed while first responders were standing nearby. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the close call underscores a critical lesson.

This discussion is a must-watch for first responders, pilots, and even Good Samaritans who may rush in to help after a plane crash.

👉 Key topics covered:

How BRS works and why it remains dangerous after impact
Real incidents that prompted the NTSB safety alert
Why warning placards and awareness are often lacking
The risks to first responders and bystanders
What to look for before approaching a downed aircraft

Stay informed. Stay aware. It could save your life.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Loss of Power Leads to Ice Landing - Episode 320 Mar 18, 2026

Developing: a routine training flight in March turned into a fight for survival.

When a student pilot and instructor flying a Cessna 172 lost engine power over New York’s Hudson River, they were forced to make a split-second decision: attempt to get to Stewart International Airport near the United States Military Academy at West Point or put the aircraft down somewhere else.

About five miles short of the airport, the crew realized they wouldn’t make it back. They decided to ditch onto a patch of ice in the river at night.

Miraculously, both the student and instructor survived the crash and were able to swim to shore. The incident raises several important questions about training flights, decision-making, and risk management.

In this episode, the Flight Safety Detectives break down the developing story and examine key issues the National Transportation Safety Board will likely investigate, including:

✈️ What kind of preflight planning was done before the flight?
✈️ What caused the engine power loss?
✈️ Why was this route along the Hudson chosen for a night training flight?
✈️ Was this route part of the flight school’s curriculum?
✈️ When — or if — control transferred from the student to the instructor?

Even though no one was seriously injured, this close call highlights a critical aviation lesson: decisions made before and during a flight can determine the outcome when something goes wrong.

The Flight Safety Detectives analyze the situation, explore the risks of night training over challenging terrain, and discuss what pilots and instructors everywhere can learn from this incident.

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Who Controls the Story When a Plane Crashes? - Episode 319 Mar 11, 2026

What really happens in the hours and days after a major aviation accident and who controls the story?

Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the issues and suffering creating when people speculate after a plane crash. To illustrate the point, they focus on a 2003 Charlotte, North Carolina Beech 1900 plane crash that drew intense national media attention.

John led the NTSB field investigation, navigating not only a complex accident scene but also a storm of media speculation and aviation “experts” offering opinions long before the facts were known.

John shares the inside story of several controversial decisions he made during the investigation. The airline was allowed to put out their own information. Also, raw flight recorder data was released to counter widespread misinformation.

The accident itself involved a troubling chain of events:

An aircraft that had just come out of maintenance with improperly repaired flight controls
A flight that was overloaded and out of balance
A crew that found themselves unable to prevent a stall shortly after takeoff

Todd and John explore the human impact on maintenance personnel whose work may have played a role. They discuss how the aviation industry has evolved to provide psychological support and employee assistance. Gaps still exist, especially when maintenance work is outsourced to third-party providers around the world.

If you're interested in aviation safety, accident investigations, and the human side of aviation, this episode offers a rare insider perspective.

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FSD Live February 23 2026 - Episode 318 Mar 04, 2026

Recording of the monthly livestream!

Flight Safety Detectives go live to answer your aviation safety questions. This month, Greg Feith, Todd Curtis and John Goglia answer questions about TWA Flight 800, the recent Bangor plane crash, and the influence (or lack thereof) of corporate media on NTSB findings and decisions.

Flight Safety Detectives answer questions from the audience the 4th Monday of each month. Send yours in to flightsafetydetectives@gmail.com.

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What Did Steven Spielberg Get Right About UFO Encounters in the Cockpit? - Episode 317 Feb 25, 2026

Take a deep dive into the iconic air traffic control scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. What host Todd Curtis uncovers might surprise you.

Revisiting the tense near–midair collision sequence, Todd analyzes how accurately the film portrayed the real-world challenges pilots and controllers faced in the 1970s when reporting UFOs (now known as UAPs). As shown in the scene, two separate airline crews and air traffic controllers hesitate to report what they’ve seen—even after a close call.

Todd painstakingly reviewed the footage over a dozen times to create an NTSB-inspired transcript that captures every exchange, side conversation, and moment of uncertainty. His conclusion? The scene would have played out almost the same way in 2007—or even 2017—because FAA reporting policies hadn’t meaningfully changed.

This episode goes beyond policy. Todd reveals how Spielberg masterfully captured the psychological strain of confronting something extraordinary while trying to maintain professionalism and composure. As pilots communicate with ATC, controllers and supervisors can be heard in the background—questioning, rationalizing, and grappling with what they’re seeing.

Then Todd fast-forwards to a real-world case: a 2024 airliner encounter with a suspected UAP. Using ATC audio obtained through a FOIA request, he creates a second NTSB-style transcript and compares it to the 1977 film scene. The parallels are striking—and raise compelling questions about how much has truly changed.

If you’re interested in aviation safety, UAP investigations, or the intersection of Hollywood and reality, this episode delivers rare insight, meticulous analysis, and documents you won’t find anywhere else.

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Questions Unanswered in Piper Navajo Crash - Episode 316 Feb 18, 2026

The NTSB report of a fatal Piper Navajo crash in Medford, Oregon in December 2021 leaves important aviation safety questions unanswered. This fatal crash is attributed to spatial disorientation but facts available lead to serious questions about the fuel tanks and more.

The pilot had flown from his home in Nevada to Medford but had to have the fuel system repaired. Days later when the repairs were complete, the pilot took off in low ceiling conditions. The aircraft made a sharp right turn, entered the clouds, and then descended sharply, with the pilot pulling up shortly before hitting the ground After reentering the clouds, the aircraft made an inverted loop and crashed into the ground in a near vertical attitude.
The NTSB identified the probable cause as spatial disorientation followed by an uncontrolled descent, with flicker vertigo as a possible factor in the crash. John Goglia and Todd Curtis discuss how the sharp right-hand turn just after takeoff could have been caused by the pilot attempting an immediate emergency landing, possibly due to fuel system issues related to the recent repairs.

They also look at the timing of the pilot's travels to pick up his airplane. The time from his home to the airport was about eight hours. The NTSB noted that the pilot turned in his rental car less than 45 minutes before the accident. Did he do sufficient preflight checks? Was he sufficiently rested?

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Plane Crashes Lead to Complex Investigations - Episode 315 Feb 11, 2026

This episode looks at two aviation accident investigations that were highly complex for very different reasons. One is the well-known TWA Flight 800 investigation where John Goglia and Todd Curtis were both directly involved. The other is a lesser-known 2002 crash of a Cessna 208B aircraft that is the subject of a book by author Leslie Kean.

John and Todd review the crash of TWA Flight 800, an investigation where John was involved as an NTSB Board Member and Todd as support for Boeing. They explore the complexity of the investigation and the efforts made to understand the accident. They highlight the massive amount of data in the NTSB Public Docket.

A different kind of complexity was involved in the investigation of a Cessna 208B aircraft that lost control and crashed shortly after takeoff from Mobile, Alabama. Leslie Kean covers this investigation in her 2010 book "UFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go on the Record." She calls the accident a UAP event AND Todd agrees.

John was also involved in the investigation as a NTSB board member. The NTSB identified the probable cause as spatial disorientation followed by a loss of control.

However, one aspect of the accident remains unresolved. Several pieces of the wreckage have red streaks that could not be matched to aviation paint used on civilian or military aircraft. Several organizations were involved in this investigation. Despite multiple analyses of the red streaks, they could not be explained.

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First Look at Deadly Bangor Plane Crash - Episode 314 Feb 04, 2026

In a live episode for members recorded on Jan 26, John Goglia and Greg Feith offer their first findings related to Sunday's crash a Bombardier Challenger 600.

Both are familiar with the plane and share the issues that need investigating and the steps the NTSB is likely to take on scene. Investigators need to talk to people present that day and learn what happened leading up to the flight.

They also will need to look into whether the plane was deiced, when and what fluid was used. Runway conditions could have been a factor in aircraft and engine performance.

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General Aviation Accident Data Mixed Messages - Episode 313 Jan 28, 2026

FAA data shows a steady decrease in U.S. accident rates for general aviation in recent years. But the data may not show an accurate story.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia take a deeper dive into the data. Comparing the FAA rates to a NTSB table listing accidents in general aviation shows that the NTSB data implies that general aviation aircraft crashed roughly 50 times more frequently than airlines and other air carrier flights.

Pilots should check out the website for the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC), an organization that partners with the FAA and other aviation organizations to provide useful safety information. This organization provides information about key aviation safety risks and offers many additional resources.
Pilots and others involved in aviation should to take advantage of this and other aviation educational resources.

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Hawker Stalls Lead to Surprising NTSB Advisory - Episode 312 Jan 21, 2026

A just-issued NTSB advisory warns operators of several Hawker jet models of a dangerous stall tendency not adequately explained in the aircraft's documentation. Todd Curtis and John Goglia share important background and details.

The advisory was issued based on findings from two fatal Hawker jet crashes, one in 2024 and the other in 2025. Both occurred during post-maintenance flights to test the stall warning system. Interesting - the NTSB also noted that it could not find any experience, training, or qualification criteria for pilots tasked to perform a stall test flight or any additional plan or procedures for performing a stall test flight.

The advisory applies to 664 recent Hawker jet models and says about 450 older models may have a similar issue. The advisory includes seven recommendations to address the issue. It also states that the manufacturer's instructions for required post-maintenance test flights were deficient.

John shares his experience with issues that arise when aircraft return to flight after major maintenance, including pilots who don't take the time to do extensive preflight preparation. In fact, some operators restrict who can fly post-maintenance missions.

The NTSB advisory states that in three accidents investigated the effects the crew experienced when the aircraft entered a stall were much more severe than the aircraft's documentation indicated.

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Aviation Safety Deep-Dive - Your Comments Answered - Episode 311 Jan 14, 2026

In a December livestream event Todd Curtis and John Goglia tackled listener questions. Listen as they take a deeper dive into some of aviation safety’s most important topics:

TWA 800 investigation – was it a coverup?
Getting NTSB reps on the show to discuss investigations
Taxiway issues
How the media affects air crash investigations
Updates on the Louisville crash

Listen and get updated on these topics and more.

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Crisis Communication for Airlines - Episode 310 Jan 07, 2026

A veteran crisis-communications expert and author of “Transport Management: Successes and Failures” (2026) joins the show. Linda Tavlin draws on more than 35 years of experience to discuss how transportation organizations—especially airlines—should communicate during major accidents and crises.

Linda and John Goglia reflect on their long professional history, including work on major aviation disasters. They illustrate how poor communication during crises often worsens outcomes, while good communication can significantly reduce long-term damage.

Linda shares a story about two airlines she helped train. After both had major accidents, one airline followed her approach to communicating about the accident and the other did not. The outcomes were very different.

Linda’s approach to crisis communication includes advice on who should communicate to the different groups who deal with an accident investigation. John also discusses the communication strategy in the investigation of the 1996 fatal ValuJet crash.

John, Linda and Todd Curtis also discuss the investigation of the 2013 Asiana crash in San Francisco, where a television station broadcast information about the pilots in the airliner that was both false and offensive.

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Real Time Reporting on an Emergency Airworthiness Directive - Episode 309 Dec 31, 2025

The European Aviation Safety Agency issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) on November 28, 2025, that ordered nearly 6,000 A319, A320, and A321 aircraft be grounded to check for a flight control computer issue. Todd and John recorded this show while gathering details about the grounding in real time.

The show was recorded as John gets phone calls and emails from colleagues during the show and Todd prepares for a television news interview. This episode shows how they gather facts and data on unfolding aviation safety events like ADs.

The affected aircraft had to be on the ground for repair, just over a day after the AD was issued. John describes how challenging this would be for airlines that fly large numbers of the affected aircraft. He shares the logistical issues the airlines face as they check these aircraft, especially if they are located far away from a repair station. They also predict the impact on the flying public.

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Biffle Citation Crash Facts and Problematic Conflict- Episode 308 Dec 21, 2025

Recorded the day of the crash of a Cessna Citation earlier in the day that killed former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his family, and three others when the aircraft struck the ground just short of the runway and caught fire at the Statesville, North Carolina airport. The aircraft had taken off from the airport just a few minutes earlier and was attempting to land at the same airport.
The aircraft, a 1981 Cessna Citation, was owned by a company associated with Biffle. Biffle was a rated multiengine pilot, but it is not known whether he was also a member of the flight crew. At the time of this recording, there was little information about the factual circumstances of the event.

The ADS-B flight track of the aircraft implied that the short flight may have been in a cloud layer, but there was no indication that wind or visibility played a role in the crash.
John Goglia discusses how aircraft even older than this accident aircraft can be properly maintained, and he also discussed how he would approach this kind of accident if he were leading the maintenance investigation. Greg Feith and John have issues with the NTSB Board Member Michael Graham leading the team because he was a former employee of the company that also owns Cessna.

John discussed how, during his time on the Board, he was not allowed to participate in any hearings involving one of his former airline employers. He faced media scrutiny when he was involved in the investigation of an airline that operated flights on behalf of a former employer. Even the appearance of a conflict of interest should be avoided.

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Xyla Foxlin on Pilot Mental Health - Episode 307 Dec 17, 2025

Guest Xyla Foxlin focuses on how the FAA and the aviation community can better support mental health issues faced by pilots and other aviation professionals. Foxlin is an engineer and pilot who produced an award-winning video about pilot mental health.

Her aviation journey highlights include a Young Eagles flight that cemented her fascination with aviation, owning and maintaining a Cessna 140 that she has flown from coast to coast, a 2025 visit to Oshkosh and regaining her FAA medical certificate.
Foxlin discusses efforts with the Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC) to push the Pilot Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 through the House of Representatives. She and the PMHC continue to educate the general public on the need to reform how pilot mental health issues are handled.

In her personal story, Foxlin had to regain her medical certification and ability to fly after disclosing past mental health-related medical treatments. In the current FAA medical certification system, a significant percentage of pilots hide mental health conditions or avoid treatment entirely because of concern that their medical certification and their livelihood can be taken away.
Greg Feith, John Goglia, and Todd Curtis share the breadth of aviation-related mental health concerns, including investigators who may be affected by their work, mechanics who committed suicide or were at risk for committing suicide after an aircraft accident, and the trauma that an entire community may face after a major plane crash.

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UPS Crash Updates, Basic Med Clarified, Mental Health in Aviation - Episode 306 Dec 10, 2025

This recording of a live stream on November 26 gives additional insights and updates into recent issues in aviation safety. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith and John Goglia tackle viewer questions to correct mistakes and dig deeper into current accidents and incidents.

Hear more about:

Politics and aviation safety
Basic Med rules
The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025
How a ramp worker was able to steal an airplane in broad daylight

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Examining a Rash of Endeavor CRJ Ground Collisions - Episode 305 Dec 03, 2025

Take a deep dive into the NTSB preliminary report of what happened when a taxiing Delta A350 struck and substantially damaged an Endeavor CRJ in Atlanta. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis examine the contributing factors, including crew distractions, limited visibility of the wingtip from the cockpit, and the layout of the taxiways.

This event was one of three incidents involving Endeavor Airlines CRJs in a little over a year. Two Endeavor Airlines CRJ aircraft collided on the ground at LaGuardia Airport in New York in October. There was also a crash during landing of an Endeavor CRJ in Toronto in February.

Greg calls attention to issues that could lead to operational incidents at Endeavor, including operation discipline and crew qualifications. However, there does not seem to be a common issue in the three events.

Collision risk during taxiing is a concern for the maintenance community, some of whom taxi aircraft at airports. Taxiing aircraft is preferred over towing at some congested airports. John shares that during his career he did not receive any briefings or training in the hazardous areas of the airport for taxiing aircraft.

Todd and Greg say that maintenance personnel would benefit from practicing taxi techniques in a simulator.

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Digging Into the Data on Aviation Risks - Episode 304 Nov 26, 2025

The perception of aviation safety risk is much higher than the actual data. Safety data expert Mike Borfitz helps John Goglia and Todd Curtis look at how misleading data is used to support misleading theories about the Air India 787 and other high-profile aviation disasters.

John and Mike highlight issues with reporting and documents related to the Air India accident. Learn the inside story on why some official-looking reports are inaccurate.

Todd and Mike and both former Boeing engineers who used aviation data to analyze risk and support the manufacturing process. They discuss how Boeing and Airbus use data today to improve design and operations.

They also examine the roles that manufacturers and the FAA play in certifying airplanes. The FAA relies on manufacturers and airlines to determine if an aircraft meets certification and airworthiness requirements.

Tune in for updates on the commercial space industry and the future of the advanced air mobility side of aviation.

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UPS Crash Facts Examined - Episode 303 Nov 26, 2025

A look at the facts provided in the NTSB preliminary accident report on the November 4, 2025, crash of a UPS MD-11F in Louisville, Kentucky. John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith share their insider perspectives as they examine the details of this fatal plane crash.

Many online commentators have speculated on the cause of the crash and other details of the accident, only to be proven wrong by the facts provided by the NTSB.

The accident has similar circumstances to the 1979 crash of an American Airlines DC-10 in Chicago. What is very different is the prevalence of recoding devices as well as the tools available to citizen journalists and professional media alike. Major accidents have always attracted media attention, but John’s experiences lead him to conclude that the quality of the reporters from that era was better than reporters from today's large media outlets.

Video evidence is now often immediately available after an event, which helps investigators in the early phases of an investigation. Greg shares the process he used to make requests for photos and videos during investigations while at the NTSB.

Greg and Todd review the preliminary report in detail. They point out that video evidence shows the aircraft began to have catastrophic problems at takeoff, limiting options available to the crew. They detail how the accident unfolded based on information in the preliminary report and witness video evidence.
The preliminary report includes a lot of information about the strut that attaches to the engine. Cracks in the engine mount are a focus of the continuing investigation.

The FAA has issued two emergency Airworthiness Directives that grounded all DC-10s and MD-11s in the U.S. Greg ends the show discussing the various options the operators have for repairing, inspecting, replacing parts or, if the required changes are significant, replacing the aircraft.

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Older Pilots at Risk? Plus UAP Reporting News - Episode 302 Nov 26, 2025

Breaking news! The FAA has made significant changes to the policy on reporting Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). UAP reports generated by air traffic controllers will use the acronym UAP instead of UFO, and controllers are required to provide specific information about the UAP in their reports.

Also in this episode, Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss two 2025 fatal accidents in which pilot medical conditions may have been an issue. Todd and John discuss how aging brings issues that are a challenge for older pilots.

The NTSB preliminary reports of the accidents under scrutiny do not include information on the age of the pilots. However, news media stories about the two crashes revealed that both pilots were in their 80s. Both pilots had BasicMed certifications.
A BasicMed certificate must be renewed every four years and can be approved by any licensed physician. Class III and other medical certificates must be approved by an FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
While neither of the two NTSB preliminary reports mention a medical condition playing a role in either accident, the BasicMed process may expose older pilots to risks. John suggests that BasicMed should have restrictions, including not allowing older pilots with a BasicMed certificate to carry passengers.

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Safety in Aircraft Design, Mental Health, Pilot Training - Episode 301 Nov 12, 2025

This recording of a livestream event covers many aviation safety topics, from designing aircraft for safety to mental health support for industry professionals to passenger responsibilities. Hear Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis tackle viewer questions with insight and candor!

Among the topics covered:

Biennial flight reviews
Mental health in the cockpit and in the hangar
Testing for certificated pilots
A preflight checklist for passengers
Recent aviation safety presentations
Gulf of Mexico or Gulf of America?

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FAA & Aviation Maintenance Disconnects - Episode 300 Nov 05, 2025

In this 300th episode of the Flight Safety Detectives podcast, Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia welcome special guest Sarah MacLeod, executive director of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA). Maintenance issues get the spotlight, including how maintenance professionals and aircraft operators are challenged to understand how FAA maintenance regulations and standards apply to them.

MacLeod is a vocal advocate for individuals and companies on international aviation safety law, policy, and compliance issues. She and John have each worked to shape FAA regulations and policies, sometimes in conflict but always with the same objectives in mind.

This special episode touches on major changes that have shaped aviation in the 21st century. There are takeaways here for new as well as seasoned aviation professionals.

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LaGuardia Regional Airliners Collide on Taxiway - Episode 299 Oct 29, 2025

Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia provide critical insights into an October 1, 2025, ground collision at LaGuardia Airport between two taxiing regional airliners. The collision caused serious damage to both planes operated by Delta Connection.

The NTSB has not yet provided a preliminary report but the detectives gather details that offer initial insights. John has extensive experience as a mechanic at LaGuardia and shares his experience with congestion at this very busy airport. Hear why the pilots may have been distracted while taxiing.

A Flight Safety Detectives channel member shares lessons learned from an incident where the aircraft he was flying had issues during taxi. He stopped the aircraft and consulted with one of his flight school's mechanics, who assured him that the aircraft was airworthy. He decided to take off but had to land the aircraft just after takeoff due to airworthiness issues.

Todd, Greg, and John discuss details of the members story, emphasizing the importance of the pilot's decision-making and the role of the flight school's maintenance organization. Flight schools should use events like this as learning tools. Hear how regular safety standdowns enhance safety.

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Missing Logbooks, Missing Answers in Night Flight Tragedy - Episode 298 Oct 22, 2025

A pilot who was attempting to satisfy FAA requirements for flying at night was killed in another preventable plane crash. The NTSB report of this 2018 high-energy impact into the ocean leaves several key questions unanswered.

The NTSB lists a probable cause that the Flight Safety Detectives just can’t support. They add this to a list of insufficient NTSB reports published in the last few years.

The pilot in command was flying at night with a passenger. He was required by the FAA to have performed three takeoffs and landings in the previous 90 days. According to the NTSB report, in the previous 90 days, the accident pilot had flown for three hours, including the two-hour accident flight.

The NTSB did not determine if the night currency requirements were met before the accident flight because the pilot's logbooks were unavailable for review. Public Docket documents that shed light on how the company behind the pilot's rented aircraft could have let this happen. The rental form that the pilot signed did not mention anything about requirements for night flights.

A special welcome to new sponsor – Prochock!

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Multiple Errors Lead to Helicopter Crash - Episode 297 Oct 15, 2025

A mission to collect crocodile eggs in Australia went horribly wrong after a series of errors. A R44 helicopter ran out of fuel and the pilot had to release an external sling carrying the person collecting the eggs, killing that person and injuring the pilot.
The helicopter was one of a group of helicopters participating in a reality show. The accident pilot passed on the opportunity to refuel on the way to the egg-collecting area, adding to several actions that led to the fatal accident.

The accident report details events that began years before the accident when the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Australia's equivalent of the FAA, improperly approved the operator's plan for this flight operation. The investigation also revealed various practices that increased the risk.
John Goglia, Greg Feith and Todd Curtis dissect how CASA and the operator created high-risk flight operation that led to this fatal accident.

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Air India Crash & Washington National Crash Latest Details - Episode 296 Oct 08, 2025

In this recording of the first Flight Safety Detectives live stream, viewer questions take John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith on a deep dive onto aviation safety headlines. Audience questions help bring forward the latest developments in the investigations of the Air India crash, Washington National crash, reports of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) and much more.

Why the public will never get full disclosure of the Air India crash
Potential changes coming from the DC crash investigation
Limitations and benefits of cameras in the cockpit and around aircraft
Unanswered questions in recent UAP investigations
Criminal prosecution in accident investigation in the US versus worldwide

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Deadly Consequences of Deferred Aircraft Maintenance - Episode 295 Oct 01, 2025

Deferring maintenance can be deadly. The July 2024 fatal crash of a twin-engine Beechcraft Duke, which killed the pilot and both passengers, provides the perfect case to make this point.

The aircraft had been idle for several months and had been exposed to weather including snow. The pilot was flying himself and his two passengers from upstate New York to Ohio. He did so despite airworthiness issues that included visible landing gear damage.

The left engine lost power and the pilot attempted to land at a nearby airport. The pilot lost control and crashed after attempting a single-engine go-around. Analysis reveals other issues with the aircraft, including clear signs of fuel system contamination and engine performance problems.

John and Todd explored several issues not in the NTSB final report but implied from the information collected. The pilot had ample information about the airworthiness of the aircraft before takeoff but was apparently determined to fly that day.

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Evolution Revo LSA Fatal Plane Crash - Episode 294 Sep 24, 2025

Spotlight on the September 2024 fatal crash involving an Evolution Revo light sport weight shift aircraft (LSA). A CFI and student pilot were killed when the aircraft's wings folded and it entered a steep dive.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia explore questions not answered in the recently released NTSB report. How or why did the CFI miss the checklist item to attach a key support cable? Had the aircraft recently been transported? Was work done on the aircraft?

The aircraft uses hang-glider-like wings for lift. It relies on moving a control bar to shift the center of gravity and change the shape of the wing and does not rely on traditional flight control surfaces. Despite his extensive experience with the aircraft, the CFI did not properly attach a key support cable called a haul back cable.

LSA rules will change in 2025 and 2026, including allowing pilots with an LSA certification to fly larger aircraft like the Cessna 172.

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CFIs Bad Choices Turn Deadly - Episode 293 Sep 17, 2025

Calling out inappropriate CFI behavior! John and Todd dig into the details of a fatal September 2023 accident involving a night training flight. The student's regular instructor was not available, and this was the first training with a different CFI.
The CFI’s actions were unprofessional and inappropriate. He uploaded posts to Snapchat before and during the flight.

In a post uploaded prior to the flight, the CFI complained about how long the student took to do a preflight inspection. John Goglia reminds that a preflight inspection should take as long as necessary!

The CFI was the pilot-in-command of the flight. He made critical decisions that put the aircraft in danger and likely led to the crash.

While returning from the night training flight, the CFI ignored storms in the area and pressed on instead of landing at an alternate airport. The plane encountered severe turbulence and broke up in flight, killing the CFI and the student.

In other news, the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 now under consideration in the U.S. would improve aviation safety. Interest in the issue was spurred in part by the latest season of HBO’s “The Rehearsal” in which John Goglia helped highlight pilot mental health issues. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the act, and it is now before the Senate.

This legislation would make it less likely that pilots and air traffic controllers who take medications for mental health issues would keep their FAA certifications. Contact your senator to support the legislation.

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Digging Deeper into the Drone Swarm Event - Episode 292 Sep 10, 2025

Viewer questions lead to continued discussion in Episode 288 about a fleet of unknown drones that violated FAA regulations by flying near an airliner for an hour. John Goglia and Todd Curtis provide additional insights.

Would cameras in the cockpit be helpful? Probably not. Advances in flight data recorder technology have allowed flight data recorders to track over a thousand inputs about the state of the aircraft, including most of the information that a camera in the cockpit could provide. In the case of the drones, the pilots would have had a better view compared to a cockpit camera, which would have been designed to capture images inside the cockpit rather than outside.
Were the drones UFOs? Unidentified anomalous phenomena (AUP) has replaced the term UFO in many government organizations.

Whatever the term used, an issue for pilots is the social stigma about reporting something that could be a UAP. The pilots of the airliner that was followed sent a message indirectly to air traffic controllers rather than sending the message by radio, potentially putting other aircraft at risk by delaying communication to other pilots about a potential hazard.
Continuing the focus on drones, a pair of test drones recently crashed due to a software error. The software error that caused the drones to crash is one of several risks posed by large-scale commercial operations. John discussed proposed FAA regulations that would set standards for this kind of drone operation.

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Controlled Substances & Mental Health Impacts on Aviation Safety - Episode 291 Sep 03, 2025

John Goglia, Todd Curtis, and Greg Feith discuss the details of a fatal R44 helicopter crash in Australia that involved a pilot who had been drinking and had suspected mental health issues. The pilot took off without permission and made several low-level passes over the city before crashing into a hotel.

The ATSB accident investigation report included a detailed analysis of the flight and of the helicopter wreckage, but didn't provide details as to the level of the pilot's intoxication, the pilot's mental fitness or witness statements that may have shed some light on the pilot's state of mind.

Greg discusses how flight instructors evaluate their students for changes in personality that may be a sign of an underlying problem. John shared his own experiences with maintenance professionals whose personal issues impacted their work.

They examine this accident to understand how mental health issues may lead to behaviors that cause crashes. Investigations that look at effects of alcohol and other substances and what pilots did in the 72 hours leading up to an event can provide critical insight.

The episode ends with a call to action: friends and coworkers should ask anyone they know who seems to be struggling about how they are doing and give them a chance to talk. And, if the situation gets worse, do what you must do to keep that person safe.

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Risky Choices Kill Overconfident Pilot - Episode 290 Aug 27, 2025

What’s the latest with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370)? The 777 disappeared over 11 years ago. John Goglia and Todd Curtis provide the latest details.

They also look at a 2023 crash of a Robinson R22 helicopter in rural Australia. The evening flight ended in tragedy when the pilot was killed when the helicopter crashed into trees at about 88 knots.

The helicopter was not equipped for night flying and lacked an artificial horizon. The pilot relied on a lighted helipad for guidance but could not see it because of smoke in the area due to controlled burns. Despite multiple radio calls reporting he could not see the lights, the pilot continued the flight.

This incident is a case of an overconfident pilot flying in conditions beyond his qualifications or experience. The pilot had flown at night before without proper qualifications, leading to complacency. The pilot took unnecessary risks by taking off at night without the proper equipment, experience, and judgment.

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40+ Reportable Aviation Events in 12 Days & NTSB Reports Fall Short - Episode 289 Aug 20, 2025

August in flight safety: at least 40 reportable events in just 12 days. The Flight Safety Detectives have reason to believe the number of events is even higher.

Worse, the NTSB is putting out inadequate reports. They often provide the obvious cause and do not dig in to find the root cause. Significant questions are left with no answers. Greg Feith notes every accident has a safety lesson to learn.

The NTSB preliminary report for a fatal crash of a Piper J5 Cub that happened on the first of the month, was a situation where the aircraft had been sitting idle for months and likely had an engine problem due to fuel contamination. The investigation documented the engine failure but apparently did not look into whether there had been a thorough preflight of the aircraft.

Another just-released report covers an accident involving a new aircraft being ferried from Canada across the Atlantic to its new owner in Portugal. The pilot and most of the aircraft were not found, but key information, such as the logbooks for the pilot and the aircraft, was recovered. Despite the ample evidence from the crash and information from Canadian authorities and other parties to the investigation, the NTSB probable cause simply stated that the plane impacted the ocean.

More than enough information is available to support a specific root cause. The NTSB did not attempt to address basic questions about the circumstances of the accident, such as what anti-icing or deicing capability the plane had, whether the pilot conducted a thorough preflight plan for the trip, or even if the pilot had the basic qualifications to conduct the flight.

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Strange High-Altitude Encounters Get Stranger - Episode 288 Aug 13, 2025

The investigation continues into two unusual high-altitude encounters initially described as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drone sightings. Information gathered since the Flight Safety Detectives’ first look at this incident has made these strange events seem like unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) incidents.

In December 2024, a Delta 767 crew reported being shadowed for over an hour at 34,000 feet by multiple flashing red-and-white aircraft over New Mexico and Arizona—well above legal drone limits and invisible to ATC radar. FAA records later indicated four objects maneuvering close to the jet, one within 1,000 feet.

Shortly after, a United 787 at 27,000 feet had a brief, separate encounter with a similar object. FOIA requests revealed details that made these cases more consistent with UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) than drones, given their altitude, endurance, and performance.

Greg Feith, John Goglia, and Todd Curtis discuss aviation safety concerns, the FAA’s lack of a dedicated UAP reporting system, and the stigma pilots face in reporting such events. Todd plans to mine FAA drone-incident data and Mandatory Occurrence Reports to identify other likely UAP encounters.

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Fuel & Fatal Choices - Lessons from July SR22T Crash - Episode 287 Aug 06, 2025

A Cirrus SR22T in North Carolina killed the pilot and his entire family. The known details of this July 2025 crash raise serious questions about pilot decisions throughout the flight.
The pilot was flying from Florida to North Carolina and ran into trouble early in the trip. The plane experienced electrical problems that worsened throughout the trip. Despite having opportunities to land at several airports, the pilot continued. The aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed a few miles from the destination, killing everyone on board.
Several pilot decisions increased the risk of the flight, particularly the choice to continue flying after key systems began to malfunction. Also, the aircraft had a parachute system that would have likely saved everyone on board. However, the deployment handle safety pin was not removed pre-flight so the system would not activate.

This episode also has some harsh words for the passengers in the recent 737 takeoff incident in Denver who went down emergency exists with luggage. Exiting the aircraft quickly and safely in an emergency is far more important than what is in any carry-on bag.

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DC Midair Collision Gets Hearing - Episode 286 Aug 04, 2025

The NTSB just finished a 3-day hearing about the fatal January 2025 midair collision between an airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis tuned in and share their takeaways.

The hearing covered many issues, particularly the role that FAA and Army procedures and systems played in the crash. They credit NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and Member Todd Inman with assertive questioning that took the FAA to task for lack of cooperation with the NTSB.

The NTSB can't make regulations and can only recommend them. This independence is crucial, but it limits its power to implement significant changes. The regulatory process and the technological complexity of the air traffic system mean that any recommendations coming from this investigation may take years.
Overall, this accident investigation is being conducted in a way that will advance aviation safety. However, the resources devoted to this investigation may affect the quality of other current NTSB investigations and aviation safety initiatives.

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Live from Oshkosh! - Episode 285 Jul 30, 2025

We bring you to AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This annual event attracts hundreds of thousands of aerospace professionals, aerospace enthusiasts, and their families for a unique aviation experience.
John Goglia, Greg Feith, and Todd Curtis talk about the amazing quality and quantity of aircraft at the show. Hear about historical and cutting-edge aircraft on display and in flight and the people from across the aviation industry. The show provides an extensive hands-on education in aviation and aviation safety.

We take you there to hear about it all. Come enjoy Oshkosh with us!

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AAIB Causes Bigger Mess in Air India Investigation - Episode 284 Jul 25, 2025

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an appeal to the public and the media to stop speculating about the cause of the Air India crash. This comes less than a week after the agency released a preliminary report that raises more questions than provides answers.

The Flight Safety Detectives share this latest development in an investigation that has been poorly handled from the start.

The AAIB has raised many questions that they could and should answer. The preliminary report did not identify any issues with the engines or aircraft systems, leaving pilot decisions and pilot actions as more likely causes of the crash. Key details have not been shared, including identifying who made the statements shared in the report or which pilot took what action.
John Goglia, Greg Feith and Todd Curtis do not support the request in the AAIB appeal that the media and others wait for AAIB and not speculate about the cause of the crash or the investigation. Many people were killed and they have a duty to inform everyone – including other airlines – who want to know if there are any aviation safety issues that need to be addressed.

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Bad Pilot Decisions Kills 6 - Episode 283 Jul 23, 2025

A Cessna Citation crash in March that killed all aboard appears to be the result of bad pilot decision making. Responding to the interest of numerous listeners, John Goglia and Todd Curtis dig into what happened.

The pilot was completing a cross-country flight in the early morning hours of March 22, 2025. He took off after 11 pm the previous night in Teterboro, NJ, and crashed hours later in San Diego.
John and Todd explore the questionable decision-making by the pilot. Near the end of the flight, the pilot decided to continue with his landing despite the weather information indicating conditions were below the minimums for his approach.
The series of events falls into the Swiss cheese model - many safety factors were ignored, adding up to a tragic result. Risky choices include planning take off late at night and planned arrival before dawn at an airport that had no local weather observations available. Plus, the forecast implied that the visibility at the destination would likely be below the minimums for the chosen approach.
This accident was not caused by technological failures or unexpected weather hazards. Pilot decisions led to this plane crash.

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Aviation Safety and UAPs in Space - Episode 282 Jul 16, 2025

Former US Air Force and NASA Flight Surgeon Dr. Gregory Rodgers discusses first-hand experiences with the NASA space shuttle program. Among his efforts, he helped change NASA procedures that endangered shuttle crews.

Among his efforts to improve space safety, Dr. Rogers tried to convince NASA to add a repair kit to Shuttle missions to deal with the ongoing issue of protective heat-resistant tiles being damaged during missions. Part of his effort was to write the book "Impact," a fictional novel about a shuttle that was severely damaged and unable to return to Earth. The book was published in 1995. The shuttle in the book was Columbia, which was lost in 2003 due to heat shield damage sustained shortly after liftoff.

He also shares details of a flight test of a disc-shaped vehicle with USAF markings that displayed extraordinary flight characteristics. He kept this 1992 experience to himself for over 30 years until speaking publicly about it in May 2025.

John Goglia adds his experience at the NTSB investigating a possible collision between either an unknown exotic aircraft or a UAP and a general aviation aircraft off the coast of Florida. The wreckage had paint transfer marks that could not be associated with any known aircraft.

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Air India Investigation Facts and Logic Must Prevail - Episode 281 Jul 15, 2025

Yesterday’s special episode generated a lot of questions about the Air India preliminary report. Facts in hand, the Flight Safety Detectives tackle them head on.

The preliminary report does not identify any issues with the aircraft that directly contributed to the crash. It focuses on the actions taken by the flight crew.

Hear more detail on why the design of fuel cutoff switches makes it unlikely that a mechanical or electrical issue led to the engine shutdown. The most logical cause was action taken by at least one flight crew member.
John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith address concerns and questions generated from previous Flight Safety Detectives episodes. They continue to use the facts in the preliminary report to describe what happened, particularly the actions taken and statements made by the pilots.

The analyses provided by others online and in the media, particularly by airline pilots, often lack a depth of understanding of the aircraft technology, how it works and how it could fail. The detectives continue to provide sound analysis of available information.

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Who Turned Off the Engines?!?- Episode 280 Jul 14, 2025

The preliminary report on the June 12, 2025, fatal crash of an Air India 787 is most notable for what is unstated, vague, and even misleading. The detectives start with the omission of who turned off the engines just after takeoff. Their list of unanswered questions grows from there.
This crash appears to not be an accident, but rather an intentional act by at least one member of the flight crew. The engines were shut down shortly after takeoff. Although at least one pilot took actions to restart both engines, neither engine could generate thrust before the aircraft crashed less than a mile from the airport.
The report has telltale signs that those writing the report had motives other than to provide factual information about the event and the investigation. Errors and vaguely worded statements in the report make it appear that someone other than an aviation safety professional wrote or approved the report.

Just a few of the issues Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis highlight:

The report did not specify which pilot shut down the engines just after takeoff, even though the voice and data recorders likely had enough information to determine that.
The report does not say whether other people were in the cockpit other than the two pilots.
No reason is given as to why Air India was excluded from the investigation.
An aviation psychologist is listed as one of the subject matter experts on the investigation team, implying that a psychological or even psychiatric issue was a factor in this crash.

In summary, the report points to an event that was not an accident, but a deliberate action.

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Experts Raise Alarm Over Air India 787 Crash Investigation Ahead of Preliminary Report - Episode 279 Jul 10, 2025

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau plans to issue a preliminary report on the June 12, 2025, fatal crash of an Air India 787 tomorrow. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia detectives have serious concerns about the credibility of this investigation and the upcoming preliminary report.

They discuss several irregularities with the investigation, including the unusual decision not to include Air India as a party to the investigation. John and Greg have learned through their networks that the Indian authorities have limited the involvement of key parties including Boeing, the NTSB, the FAA, and engine manufacturer GE.

Since the crash, no specific service bulletins, airworthiness directives, or special inspections related to the aircraft or the engines involved have been issued by the Indian authorities, Boeing, GE, or others. Little information has been released by the Indian authorities, including basic facts about who was flying the plane and details about the background of the flight crew, especially the first officer.

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Air India Crash and 737 Max Plug Door Blowout Updates - Episode 278 Jul 09, 2025

An update on the Air India crash investigation, with focus on the flight data recorders installed and recovered from the aircraft.

John explains the identical dual flight data and voice recorders installed on the plane. Viewer questions led to further investigation and clarification of the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFR) installed on the plane.
In other news, the NTSB has issued more than 30 findings related to the January 2024 Alaska Airlines door blowout event. The findings reveal how the manufacturing process of the Boeing 737 Max allowed a plug door to be reinstalled on the aircraft without the bolts that secure the door to the fuselage.
Todd shares his insights from his time as a Boeing engineer. He highlights the complexity of the manufacturing process that involves Spirit in Wichita, Kansas making the fuselage and shipping to Boeing in Seattle for final assembly.

Todd and John discuss each of the NTSB findings and the story they tell about what went wrong and what went right in this event.

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The High-Stakes Flight into Oshkosh - Episode 277 Jul 02, 2025

AirVenture 2025 is approaching fast. With it comes the transformation of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, into the busiest airport in the world. Pilots flying in must be prepared for the unique air traffic procedures.

In this episode, aviation experts Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia take us behind the scenes of the annual event and discuss the critical safety protocols all pilots must follow.

The team also revisits a powerful case study—the 2010 crash involving NASCAR legend Jack Roush. After a missed approach in his Beechcraft 390 Premier, Roush lost control and crashed. This incident underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to Oshkosh's detailed procedures.

Greg, a seasoned pilot who has flown into Oshkosh numerous times, shares his firsthand experiences and the risks pilots face when they don't follow the guidelines.

Whether you're planning to fly into AirVenture or simply want to understand how the airspace is managed during the event, this episode offers essential insights. Be sure to check out the 32-page official notice detailing these vital procedures.

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Safety Critical Information Being Withheld from Air India 787 Crash? – Episode 276 Jun 25, 2025

Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis find the lack of information emerging about the Air India 787 crash surprising. They wonder if safety critical information is being withheld from the aviation community and the public at large.

The flight data recorder (FDR) is in the US for analysis, while the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) remains in India. The CVR and FDR are typically read out simultaneously to marry up the data. Only when analyzed together can the data be fully understood. Assessing the recorders separately does not make sense.

Another oddity – the Indian government called for inspection of all Air India 787s immediately after the crash. What were they inspecting and do they have knowledge that impacts the safety of the other 1000+ 787s operating around the world?

The accident scene has been cleaned up. Physical evidence may have been lost. No pictures show that investigative teams were onsite to examine and document the wreckage.

The Flight Safety Detectives provide updates to the investigation of the June 12 fatal crash. They share their experiences investigating crashes to examine what the little available information from this crash might mean.

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Developing: All Killed in Helicopter Crash with Radio Tower - Episode 248 Jun 24, 2025

Todd Curtis and John Goglia share the unfolding information surrounding a October 20, 2024 crash of an air tour R44 helicopter into a radio tower in Houston. The NTSB investigation continues.
The air tour helicopter apparently crashed into the radio tower while the pilot in command was reading back a traffic advisory about a second helicopter in the vicinity. The second helicopter was operated by the same air tour company.

The preliminary NTSB report issued less than a month after the accident. Details in the preliminary report and additional information from security cameras show that the pilot of the accident helicopter had the second helicopter in sight and made no major heading changes to avoid hitting the radio tower. Hear Todd’s assessment of the alignment of the tower and the helicopters.
John and Todd discuss general safety issues of air tour aircraft, including the fact that the ones involved in this crash often lack voice and data recorders. John notes that in his experience the NTSB might not be able to determine a probable cause due to the lack of data.

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Breaking Aviation Safety News: Air India Crash and Bombing in Middle East - Episode 275 Jun 16, 2025

Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia are fresh from media interviews on the Air India crash. They regroup here to share their insights with the Flight Safety Detectives audience.

An Air India 787 crashed in Ahmedabad, India on June 12. The detectives want to put the brakes on the media, aviation commentators and social media posters who are providing bad information about the cause of the crash.

Many people speaking out, including pilots and other aviation professionals, are demonstrating little understanding of 787 systems and procedures. They are misrepresenting the limited information available about the event. This is a disservice to the public as well as aviation safety.

Boeing 787 Systems Explained

Greg explains how the 787 flap and slat system operates and how that led many commentators to misinterpret what they saw in the two videos of the crash that have been widely circulated. The main landing gear is visible in the videos, leading some commentators to speculate that the crew neglected to raise it. Greg notes that one of the videos showed clear evidence that the landing gear was in the process of being raised.

The audio of one of the videos suggested that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed. John and Greg detail how the RAT provides critical hydraulic and electrical capacity to the aircraft. They describe several ways the system can be deployed manually or automatically.

Todd, John, and Greg all criticize the Indian authorities' management of the accident investigation. Video clips of the accident scene show that news media and others had relatively free access to the site. Evidence from the accident scene was disturbed before investigative authorities could inspect it. The lack of security may make it hard to fully understand why the aircraft crashed.

Middle East Conflict Impacts Flight Safety

A major military conflict between Iran and Israel began the day after the Air India crash, dramatically changing flight patterns in that part of the world. Flights may be disrupted further should the conflict intensify. Passengers and flight crews in that area should be prepared with alternative plans should the situation change for the worse.

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John Goglia Costars in Nathan Fielder's "The Rehearsal" on HBO - Episode 274 Jun 11, 2025

Nathan Fielder needed an aviation expert for Season 2 of the series "The Rehearsal" so he tapped Flight Safety Detectives’ own John Goglia. John’s recommendations for how crew resource management (CRM) can reduce aviation accidents became the focus of the season.

John discusses how he was approached to be in the show, how he didn't have a clear idea of the direction it would take, and the unexpected reaction.
Season 2 of "The Rehearsal" addresses the role that enhanced CRM could play in reducing accidents. The tropic is explored in the context of comedy, absurdity, and simulations of the travel experience. Throughout, John is featured as the voice of authority.
Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the series was how seriously deeply Fielder approached the subject. He went from being a non-pilot to getting a type rating in a 737. Hear John’s insider look at how the show came together.

Stay tuned – John has invited Nathan Fielder to appear on a future episode of Flight Safety Detectives!

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What Happened to Singer Jim Croce? - Episode 273 Jun 04, 2025

Jim Croce died in a plane crash more than 50 years ago. Determining what caused the 1973 crash is challenging. This episode also covers an event where no one was flying a Lufthansa plane.

The only surviving document from the plane crash that killed Jim Croce is less than a page long, leaving many questions unanswered. The investigation was likely carried out by an investigator who was outside of NTSB headquarters. At that time, the records for most accident investigations were not sent to headquarters.

Jim Croce was traveling late at night from Louisiana to Texas. For reasons that are not explained, the aircraft hit a tree off the end of the runway. It was destroyed in the subsequent fire. While the report mentions the weather conditions and the pilot's preexisting heart condition, it does not answer many questions, such as whether the plane was overloaded or even the position of the tree relative to the runway.

In a 2024 incident involving Lufthansa, the captain stepped out of the cockpit and the first officer lost consciousness. For 10 minutes, no one was flying the plane!

The event did not result in an accident, although it was a close call. Fortunately, the first officer recovered enough to open the cockpit door, and the flight continued without incident.

John Goglia and Todd Curtis agree that always having a second person in the cockpit is a good practice. The regulations in Europe, where Lufthansa is based, do not require a second person.

Although these two events are very different, like many accidents and incidents, each provides learning opportunities. Aviation is a learning adventure!

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Aviation Safety Takes Significant Hits in US - Episode 271 May 21, 2025

Recent air traffic control issues at Newark Liberty Airport and the recent dismissal of an NTSB board member signal significant aviation safety issues in the US.

Since early May, Newark Airport has experienced significant flight disruptions due to radar outages and shortages of air traffic controllers. The current FAA administrator blames the previous administration for these problems. What’s the truth?

These issues have been ongoing for more than a decade for many reasons.

Delayed infrastructure improvements
Aging air traffic controller workforce
Increased demand for flight operations at Newark

Add to this that there aren’t enough trained air traffic controllers. A combination of retirements, COVID hiring freezes, and flawed hiring policy changes have limited the number of potential new controllers.

John Goglia and Todd Curtis discuss possible air traffic controller mental health issues that may arise from a combination of stress from long hours and high workload. Negative news coverage from both traditional and online media compounds the situation.

NTSB board member Alvin Brown was removed without explanation in May. Brown is a former mayor of Jacksonville, Florida. He was a board member since March 2024 and vice chair since December 2024. This is the first time a Board member had been removed in such a fashion. Todd and John speculate that Brown was dismissed because of his close association with the Democratic Party.

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Ice Falls from the Sky - Episode 270 May 14, 2025

A 200-pound chunk of ice came crashing through the roof of a house in February. What was the source?

Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia analyze an unusual event involving a large chunk of ice from the sky. The ice fell out of a clear sky and crashed through the metal roof of a home in Florida.

After an investigation, the FAA found no evidence that a plane was the source of the ice. Chemical analysis showed that the ice was not contaminated with chemicals that may have come from an airplane's lavatory.

Twelve to 15 ice fall events occur annually. Since 2000, 78 of these events had no identified origin.

Was it an icy meteorite? Space debris? Someone in the local area launching it with a catapult? The detectives explore these and other possibilities.

This event fits into the category of a UAP, or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, that is possibly from unknown or unrecognized natural phenomena.

Bonus: Hear Greg’s review of the Mark Wahlberg movie "Flight Risk."

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Offshore Oil Platforms and Aviation Safety - Episode 269 May 07, 2025

Helicopters and offshore oil platform operations can be a deadly combination. John Goglia and Todd Curtis discuss two accidents to illustrate aviation safety concerns.

In a 2010 accident discussed, maintenance and managerial failures resulted in minor damage and no injuries because of the pilot's skill. Another is a fatal accident that killed all on board due to the pilot not following the helicopter operator's standard procedures for landing and taking off.

In the 2010 accident there were multiple missed inspections by mechanics and pilots over several days, including the accident flight. The poor maintenance effort led to system malfunctions that prevented the pilot from fully controlling the helicopter, forcing the pilot to make a running landing at about 45 knots.

In a 2022 accident, the pilot landed away from the center of the helideck and the rear of the right skid was over the edge of the helipad and adjacent to a raised perimeter light. When the pilot took off, the right skid contacted a perimeter light, causing the helicopter to roll sharply to the right. The helicopter struck the helideck, rolled off the oil rig, and sank. The pilot has a documented history of not following takeoff and landing procedures on most of his flights to and from oil rigs.

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Smart Pilot Makes Bad Decision and Pays with His Life - Episode 268 Apr 30, 2025

A pilot with many hours of experience and an instructor rating died following the bad decision to fly his newly purchased airplane without first understanding how the aircraft systems operate. He also did not review the logbooks or have the plane looked over after 10 years sitting idle.

The pilot had purchased a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche. Key facts in the NTSB report and public docket show that the pilot did not have a pre-buy inspection, was not familiar with the aircraft’s systems, and ignored the advice of his friend and former CFI to not fly.

The pilot knew about a landing gear indication light problem before takeoff. He proceeded without resolving it or reviewing the appropriate emergency procedures for operating the landing gear. The plane stalled and crashed while he tried to troubleshoot the issue in flight.

In this analysis with John Goglia and Todd Curtis, Greg Feith shares that he is currently in the process of buying a used airplane. Like the accident pilot, the aircraft has not flown in several years. Unlike the accident pilot, he is working closely with an experienced mechanic to make the aircraft airworthy and to examine all systems on the aircraft.

Greg is frustrated with the quality of the decisions made by the pilot before and during the flight. He’s further critical of the NTSB’s analysis of this accident. The probable cause statement focuses on a stall that happened at the end of the flight rather than all the pilot actions before and during the flight.

“[The NTSB probably cause statement is] so vanilla. It is such a cop-out,” Greg says.

This accident is a result of poor aeronautical decision-making by the pilot and the actions of others around the pilot who failed to assert proper safety practices.

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Mitsubishi MU-2 Crash Follows Missed Approach - Episode 267 Apr 23, 2025

An experienced pilot with multiple ratings lost control of his Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft and crashed after a missed approach. Greg Feith, Todd Curtis and John Goglia look at the facts surrounding this incident that killed six.

ADS-B information broadcast by the plane shows a missed approach followed by an unusual second attempt. Rather than flying the published missed approach, air traffic controllers were directing the pilot to take a series of right turns for a second approach.

The pilot was taking several members of his family to a holiday celebration, so the pilot may have chosen to fly a non-standard missed approach because it would take less time than the published approach.

Greg shares firsthand experience and knowledge of the performance of MU-2 aircraft. Several years ago, he evaluated MU-2 models for safety issues and found that many previous accidents in these models were due to issues with the pilot, not the aircraft.

This aircraft was being flown by a single pilot in IFR conditions. Flying single-pilot IFR in actual IFR conditions is a challenge for any pilot under normal circumstances. Temperatures were just above freezing at neighboring airports and there was snow in the area at the time of the crash. Icing and the presence of five passengers and their baggage may have degraded the aircraft's performance.

The pilot's familiarity with the destination may be a factor. A review of flight records showed this was the first time the aircraft had flown to this airport in the previous six months.

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Manhattan Tragedy: Sightseeing Helicopter Crash - Episode 266 Apr 16, 2025

Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss a fatal air tour helicopter crash near New York City that killed all six people on board, including a family of five from Spain. They examine several witness videos plus ADS-S data in their analysis.

The crash happened on April 10, 2025, three days before this episode was recorded. The flight was apparently routine until the helicopter suddenly rotated and crashed. Pieces of the aircraft, including the tail boom and the rotor blades, separated from the aircraft before it crashed into the Hudson River.

Air tour operators are allowed to operate flights under Part 91 regulations, although the leasing company operated under Part 135 regulations that have a higher standard for inspections and maintenance.

The aircraft was over 20 years old and leased from a company in Louisiana. The NTSB will likely interview anyone from the two companies involved with maintaining the aircraft.

Given the circumstances of the crash, maintenance issues may have caused the accident. In addition to live lives lost, leading to concerns about the mental health effects this may have on those who maintained the helicopter. John has experienced incidents where maintainers may have harmed themselves because of their role in maintenance-related accidents.

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Inflight Icing Examined in Fatal TBM 700 Plane Crash - Episode 265 Apr 09, 2025

Inflight icing may have been a factor in the recent fatal crash of a TBM 700. Relying on publicly available ADS-B data and video from a nearby home, Todd Curtis, John Goglia, and Greg Feith discuss icing and other issues that may have affected the pilot and the aircraft.

The TBM 700, a single-engine turboprop aircraft, crashed outside of Minneapolis. The aircraft was expected to land at the Anoka County–Blaine Airport.

The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, had departed from Naples, Florida, earlier that day and spent about 36 minutes on the ground at Des Moines, Iowa, before heading to the Minneapolis area. The length of the flight day may have affected the pilot as well as the quality of the information the pilot had about weather conditions.
The discussion analyzes the flight's ADS-B data from the last leg of the flight, which shows that the aircraft was in a controlled descent heading for the intended runway. The aircraft entered a shallow left turn before departing from controlled flight and entering a high-angle descent before crashing into a nearby home.

The high pilot workload during this phase of flight, the low visibility, and possible pilot fatigue or other physical conditions may have led to the pilot losing awareness of his air speed. Greg compares this event to the 1994 icing-related crash of an ATR 72 in Indiana and the SilkAir crash in Indonesia in 1997.

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Just Released! Report on Plane Crash in Toronto Examined - Episode 264 Apr 02, 2025

The preliminary accident report on the February crash of the Endeavor Air CRJ-900 in Toronto, Canada has just been released. John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith examine the facts provided as well as the gaps in information that still exist.

The reported descent rate at touchdown was very close to the descent rate the detectives estimated based on a screen grab taken from a witness video. While confirming some observations, the report is missing key information including the conversations on the cockpit voice recorder.

About a month after the Toronto crash, another Endeavor CRJ-900 had a wingtip strike in similar wind conditions at LaGuardia airport. The similarities between the Toronto and LaGuardia incidents may direct investigators to look at the airline's training.

The preliminary report covers key aspects of the crew's training and experience. The first officer was the pilot flying the flight and had fewer than 1,500 total flight hours. In the 30 days prior to the accident, the first officer had about 10 times as many flight hours as the captain.

The report does detail the captain's role in the Toronto crash. Was he performing duties typical of the non-flying pilot or coaching the first officer? Was he prepared to take control of the aircraft? Unlike the NTSB, the Canadian TSB may only publish a summary of the cockpit voice recorder conversations and not the full transcript.

The person who recorded a video of the crash sequence from an aircraft close to the crash scene should submit that video to the TSB for use in the investigation. The video might help the investigation.

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Engine Trend Monitoring as a Safety Tool - Episode 263 Mar 26, 2025

The investigation of a 2023 Beechcraft Bonanza in Brazil led to an unusual recommendation. The Brazilian authorities find that an engine trend monitoring program could have prevented the accident.

In this event, the pilot made a successful off-field landing after the engine failed. The investigation found that the failure was due to a leak in the mechanical pump and fuel controller.

The aircraft was on a relatively long flight in Brazil when the pilot diverted to an airport near his intended destination. The investigation found that the engine was operated beyond the manufacturer's suggested time between overhauls, but that this did not violate regulations in Brazil.

Greg Feith discusses his plan to buy a new airplane and why he is planning to include a monitoring program for his aircraft.

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The Ultimate Insider Discussion of Today’s Media and Aviation Safety - Episode 262 Mar 19, 2025

Travel journalist Peter Greenberg joins Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia for a wide-ranging look at current aviation topics. Peter is a longtime safety advocate and host of the PBS series "The Travel Detective.”

Hear as these four experts cover the hottest topics in aviation safety. Ironically, the U.S. has just marked the 30 safest years since commercial aviation began. Yet, recent incidents reported make aviation seem less safe than ever.

Much of what has changed is the impact of citizen journalists. Widespread access to recording devices and social media allows everyone to influence public perception of safety in aviation by increasing the visibility of incidents and accidents.

Get an inside look at the challenges faced by journalists like Peter, who balances the constraints of news production with the need to address public concerns about aviation risks. He also shares the role he plays in educating colleagues and the public about aviation, emphasizing the importance of context and factual accuracy in reporting.

They examine the effectiveness of the FAA in maintaining safety standards and in updating regulations. Technological advances in aviation are outpacing regulatory frameworks, creating gaps in safety protocols for emerging technologies such as autonomous cargo drones and small vertical takeoff and landing passenger aircraft.
Hear predictions for what’s next in aviation technology and safety, including challenges such as managing increased air traffic and integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into crowded airspaces.

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Landing Gear Failure Leads to Fatal Plane Crash - Episode 261 Mar 12, 2025

An examination of the preliminary NTSB report of a February 10, 2025 crash of a Learjet 35 that killed the pilot. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia examine the issues with the landing gear that caused the accident.

The flight crew was conducting a normal approach and was apparently unaware that the left main landing gear had failed. Witness photos taken during the approach showed that the left main landing gear was twisted almost 180 degrees from its normal position.

About eight months before the accident in Scottsdale, the aircraft had an incident in Oklahoma where the left main landing gear sustained damage. Although the NTSB found that a hard landing inspection was performed after the incident, there was no mention of what specific inspections were done.

Photos show that the left main landing gear was not properly lubricated. John discussed how investigations often do not look deeply into the causes of maintenance issues, often stopping their investigation at the maintenance hangar door.

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Is it Safe to Fly? - Episode 260 Mar 05, 2025

A look at several recent high-profile aviation accidents. Although flying is much less risky than decades ago, crashes change the public's opinion about aviation safety. It now feels less safe to fly.

The February 17 crash in Toronto of an Endeavor Airlines CRJ-900 operating as a Delta Air Lines regional flight gets particular emphasis. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith and John Goglia compare the Toronto crash to three other crashes where the wings broke off, the aircraft ended up inverted, and there was a post-crash fire.

The 1997 crash of a FedEx MD11 at Newark Airport is one similar event. John was the NTSB board member leading the on-site investigation.

The detectives discuss the known evidence and what is expected to be uncovered during the investigation. The crash is being investigated in Canada, so the release of public information is expected to be somewhat limited.
Witnesses both inside and outside the accident aircraft published videos shortly after the accident. These make it possible to estimate the aircraft's speed before landing and average descent rate as well as see the initial breakup of the aircraft.

The videos also offer a case study of evacuation practices and issues. While the videos provide valuable insights for investigators, the passengers who took videos during the evacuation jeopardized safety.

Hear why the evacuation slides did not deploy. The detectives share the smart decisions made by the flight crew to avoid issues that happened in the Miracle on the Hudson event.

The detectives separate fact from fiction in the media commentary about the Toronto accident. Some experts are just plain wrong.

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Drone Pilot Guilty of Far More than Aircraft Damage - Episode 259 Feb 26, 2025

The pilot of the drone that damaged a firefighting aircraft has pled guilty to causing the damage that grounded the Candian SuperScooper for several days. The event was detailed in Episode 253.

The pilot, a successful video game developer, paid over $65,000 to repair the aircraft, will reimburse the government Quebec for additional costs, and faces up to a year in prison. In the words of the Department of Justice, the pilot "recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives in an attempt to protect lives and property."

The pilot did more than damage the plane. He violated aviation safety practices. The pilot should have known that what he was doing was dangerous.

Flying a drone into an area where firefighters and firefighting aircraft were dealing with an emergency
Flying the aircraft out of his visual line of sight, violating one of the basic regulations for flying a small drone

John Goglia and Todd Curtis discuss the risks related to drone flights. They offer advice for all drone pilots.

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The Aftermath of the DC Mid-Air Collision - Episode 258 Feb 19, 2025

The midair collision between an airliner and a military helicopter in Washington D.C. has led to actions that may hinder aviation safety and national security. And, it has highlighted issues caused by the current air traffic control system as well as vacant leadership positions at the FAA.

Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis talk about the aviation safety issues surrounding the tragic air crash and the impact of political reactions. They cover the information released by investigators.

Knee-jerk reactions from authorities like halting certain flight operations, leadership gaps in the FAA, and politicians, including President Trump, speculating on the cause of the accident before the facts were all in have all added to the complication of understanding these tragic events.

Midair collisions with airliners are rare. It has been 38 years since the last airliner midair in the U.S. John Goglia shares his personal experience with a midair accident when he had released the accident aircraft just a few hours before everyone on board was killed in a midair collision.

Greg, John and Todd offer meaningful proposals to allow for continued safe operation of Reagan National Airport and a full and complete independent investigation of the accident. This accident presents a meaningful opportunity to examine the current air traffic control system in the U.S.

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UAVs, Advanced Air Mobility and Crowded Air Space - Episode 257 Feb 12, 2025

Nick Lappos, former Vietnam AH-1 Cobra helicopter pilot and Lockheed Martin Senior Fellow for Rotary and Mission Systems, offers insights on the future of air mobility. The focus is on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced air mobility (AAM).

Nick was part of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) certification task force that just published the report "Challenges to the Commercialization of Advanced Air Mobility.” He shares his expertise on air traffic management.

Together with Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis, he digs into the challenges of integrating UAVs into the air traffic control system. They explore what will be needed to manage all types of air vehicles. The AIAA report outlines a technological framework reminiscent of cell phone networks where UAVs are handled in real time in an autonomous or semi-autonomous way.
UAVs are expected play a significant role in delivery services and other commercial uses. The discussion covers various aspects of UAV integration, including the certification of vehicles, electronic systems, air traffic control issues, and the economic implications of UAV technology.

Extensive planning and cooperation should begin now to ensure a safe future for air space.

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767 Encounters UAP - Episode 256 Feb 11, 2025

Details emerge of a possible encounter between a 767 and about 25 unidentified UAP flying near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The plane was headed from JFK to LAX. The UAS followed the aircraft at high altitude for about an hour over hundreds of miles.

The FAA or some other organization needs to investigate events like this to assess credible risks and ensure safety of air space. There are significant national security concerns as well.

Increased reports of UAP sightings may not be from more events happening, but from there being less stigma around the subject of UAP and a greater acceptance that something is going on.

John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith also discuss comments made by the White House press secretary claiming that the drones seen over New Jersey and New York in late 2024 were authorized by the FAA for research purposes. The detectives agreed that the comments are not credible given the lack of corroborating information from the FAA or any other entities.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr Survives Air Crash Caused by Bad Pilot Decisions - Episode 255 Jan 29, 2025

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his family survived the August 15, 2019 crash of a Cessna Citation Latitude jet caused by bad pilot decisions. John Goglia, Greg Feith and Todd Curtis go beyond the NTSB report to explore what led to an “unstabilized, ridiculously fast” landing that destroyed the aircraft.

Both crew members had hundreds of hours of flight experience in this aircraft model, and the copilot was also the director of operations for the airplane operator. In spite of their experience, the crew decided to continue the approach after realizing the aircraft was in an unstabilized approach.
The aircraft landed too fast, was not configured properly for landing, and bounced several times before one of the main landing gear collapsed. The plane then departed the runway, came to rest just outside the airport, and caught fire. Fortunately, everyone was able to escape.
The detectives explore several factors:

Lack of planning by the flight crew
Use of nonstandard procedures to salvage an unstabilized approach
Answers missing in the NTSB analysis of the accident.

This accident is similar to a 2004 event involving a Gulfstream jet headed to Houston to pick up former president George H.W. Bush. Like the crash with Dale Earnhardt Jr, the experienced crew found themselves in an unstabilized approach, failed to follow standard procedures, and crashed.

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Lax Maintenance Practices Kills 2 in Cessna Crash - Episode 254 Jan 22, 2025

Lax oversight by the FAA and questionable maintenance practices by both a flight school and the previous owner of a Cessna 172P aircraft led to a fatal plane crash. The Flight Safety Detectives find this is another aviation disaster that could have been avoided.

The NTSB report points to a corroded aileron control cable that failed just after takeoff as the cause of the event. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the circumstances that led to the crash, killing a student and an instructor.

The aircraft involved had been sitting idle for about a year before a flight school purchased it. The original maintenance manual had been lost, and a partial maintenance record was provided to the new owner.

Incomplete maintenance logbooks should have prompted a reasonable potential owner to conduct an extensive inspection to uncover issues with the aircraft, yet none was done. The NTSB report does not mention any efforts taken to find maintenance-related records at FAA or elsewhere, actions that would have been reasonable.

A pre-buy inspection was done less than a month before the accident. Although some issues were noted, the inspection failed to identify extensive aileron cable corrosion.

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LA Firefighting Aircraft Grounded by Illegal Drone Activity - Episode 253 Jan 15, 2025

A midair collision between a private drone and an aircraft fighting the Los Angeles area fires caused damage to the plane and an evacuation of all firefighting aircraft from the area. John Goglia and Todd Curtis explore the tragic effect on firefighting as well as the violations of aviation rules.

This event was a major setback in firefighting efforts. The FAA had taken steps to restrict flying around the fire area that were not followed. They expect federal action to be taken against the drone pilot.

The collision with the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone punched a hole in the leading edge of the left wing and grounded the Canadair CL-415 SuperScooper amphibious aircraft for several days. The FBI recovered the drone wreckage from inside the wing and is looking for the pilot.

The Canadair SuperScooper amphibious aircraft is designed to pick up about 1,600 gallons of water from lakes or oceans and drop it on large fires. It was one of the largest aircraft types operating over the fires in California.

Most drone operators have no certification and are unaware of the FAA regulations restricting where and when drones can fly. Todd and John highlight the basics. Drone operators must educate themselves on FAA regulations and follow the rules.

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Hair-Raising UAP Encounter Shared by Pilot - Episode 252 Jan 10, 2025

Sailplane pilot Bob Pett had a close encounter with an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) that exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability. Bob shares the experience with John Goglia and Todd Curtis in his first public statement about the encounter.

While the first UAP flew in close formation off his left wing during the encounter, two similar UAPs descended from a cloud and joined up with the first. Seeing the next two UAPs approach raised the hair on the back of Bob’s neck.

Bob and his passenger documented what they saw on August 9, 2015, including sketches of the event. Richard Haines of the National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP) later published a detailed report of the encounter. Bob was not identified by name in the report.

Several aspects of this encounter, including pilot decision-making under stress, reporting hazardous events to the appropriate authorities, and the lingering effects of experiencing a potentially catastrophic event in the air, are relevant to aviation safety with or without the involvement of a UAP.

The aviation industry has not taken the UAP issue seriously. Despite the increased acceptance of the issue at the highest level of government, resistance to discussing the issue remains.

UAP-related aviation safety issues should be reported by pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, other aviation professionals, and passengers. NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is an excellent and anonymous reporting system that ensures that anyone reporting a UAP event will not be identified.

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Attack of the Drones? - Episode 251 Jan 08, 2025

A wave of drone sightings are being reported throughout New Jersey and metropolitan New York, including flights over military installations and critical infrastructure. Drones are now part of battlefields. Are we under attack?

Todd Curtis and John Goglia look at the facts of the recent drone sightings. Some video clearly shows airplanes in flight. However, others appear to show drones.

The federal government's response has been lacking, with government spokespersons offering few insights into who or what is behind the drone flights or whether there is a national security issue.

Russia, China, Iran or private companies testing advanced technology are not likely behind the drone flights since being caught performing such flights would not be in their best interests. There also does not seem to be any attempt to hide the activity.

Todd shares the FAA requirements for drone flights at night, including use of remote ID.

The government has added dozens of flight restrictions in New Jersey and New York. These may not be effective because there may not be enough resources in place to identify drone activity in all those areas.

Todd and John discuss their work as instructors at Vaughn College in New York, describing how the students there create drones using 3-D printing. Todd, a commercial drone pilot since 2016, discusses the drone class he teaches and how he incorporates drone developments, such as the innovations in the use of drones in the war in Ukraine, into the course.

More to come on drones as Todd and John examine a sailplane encounter with a UAP in the next episode.

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Ricky Nelson Plane Crash - What Caused the Fire? - Episode 250 Dec 18, 2024

Fire and smoke led to the crash of a Douglas DC3 that killed signer Ricky Nelson and six others. To this day, rumors surround this 1985 deadly crash. Todd Curtis and John Goglia dig in to analyze the known facts.

Among the rumors they explore is one that suggests that Ricky Nelson and other passengers may have caused a fire while using drugs in the passenger cabin. Although the NTSB report was inconclusive about the cause of the fire, the crew had reported issues starting the cabin heating system.

For John, this aviation disaster illustrates his larger concern about maintenance and operation of charter aircraft. He feels strongly that anyone who charters aircraft should check out the potential supplier of services to ensure they follow FAA requirements for operating their aircraft.

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Is It Safe to Fly Qantas? - Episode 249 Dec 11, 2024

Is Qantas Airlines safe? Two recent events have led the Australian media and others to raise that question.

The first safety issue was in November 2024. A tool was left in the engine of a Qantas A380 for nearly a month before it was discovered. A few days later, a Qantas 737 had an engine failure while taking off from Sydney.

The Australian media covered these events extensively, raising concerns about Qantas’ safety. The Flight Safety Detectives look at whether these events establish a pattern of concern.

One factor here is that the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigates events that would likely not generate a detailed report if they happened on an aircraft registered in the U.S. or elsewhere.
John Goglia and Todd Curtis also discuss a 2020 fuel dumping event over Los Angeles that resulted in many school children being exposed to fuel. The FAA issued a report that stated that fuel dumping is relatively rare in the U.S., averaging about 15 events per year from 2015 to 2020. Hear how and why these events occur.

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First Fatality Involving HondaJet - Episode 247 Nov 20, 2024

The first fatal HondaJet accident just occurred. Greg Feith and John Goglia go over the known facts of the air crash in Mesa, Arizona on November 5.

The jet ran off the runway and struck a car on a nearby road, killing the driver and four of the five people on board the jet. They draw similarities with a 2014 takeoff accident involving a Gulfstream jet near Boston.

Poor preflight preparation may be the biggest contributor to this deadly event. Greg and John share the simple tests and steps that can be the difference between a successful and a fatal flight.

Greg and John also discuss Greg's recent recognition from the National Aeronautic Association. Greg was named a 2023 Distinguished Statesmen of Aviation.

Greg and John finished the episode with a discussion of the show's newest advertiser, Piston Power, and how their various options for managing routine and non-routine repairs may benefit an aircraft owner.

They also welcome a new sponsor - PistonPower™. The company offers general aviation’s first and only Unscheduled and Power-by-the-Hour programs for piston aircraft. Designed by aviation pros who’ve designed and built similar programs for turbine engines, PistonPower™ brings stability to your maintenance budget and peace of mind to your business and personal flying.

No Risk. No Surprises. Stabilize Your Maintenance Budget!

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U.S. Army UH-1 Huey Helicopter Crash Kills 6- Episode 246 Nov 13, 2024

A U.S. Army UH-1 Huey helicopter survived the perils of Vietnam but came to a disastrous end in West Virginia. The 1962 helicopter crashed after its engine failed, killing the pilot and five passengers.

The 2022 crash happened during an annual event that offers visitors an opportunity to fly either as passengers or as a second pilot. This helicopter was a warbird--a former military aircraft operating as a civil aircraft. It was operated under a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category.
Although the pilot in command had flown this same helicopter at the annual event in the previous two years, he had logged only 21 hours of flying experience in that helicopter. One of the five passengers was a helicopter pilot who had paid to operate the helicopter during the flight.

About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine failed. The helicopter struck power lines and a rock face before crashing and catching fire. The NTSB could not determine if the pilot in command or the helicopter-rated passenger attempted the emergency landing.
Despite the number of people killed in warbird crashes, it is unlikely the FAA will make major changes in how it oversees operators of these types of flights because of the relatively small number of operators. John and Todd share thoughts on what these operators can do to ensure safety.

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Drone Accident and A First for the National Aviation Hall of Fame- Episode 245 Nov 06, 2024

Flight Safety Detectives host John Goglia will be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, a rare accomplishment in aviation. John is the first person whose career was focused on aviation maintenance to be selected. John Goglia and Todd Curtis talk about the honor before diving into a recent drone accident in Boston that injured two people.

The drone crash occurred in downtown Boston during the taping of the TNT show "Inside the NBA." The drone crashed into a pole and fell, injuring people in the crowd. The drone flight would likely have had a FAA exemption to allow a flight both near crowds of people and close to Boston's Logan Airport.
Todd and John also discuss John's recent visit to the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) exhibition in Las Vegas. John saw many of the companies and technologies behind the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft associated with advanced air mobility (AAM) companies like Joby. The FAA has just released regulations related to the commercial use of such aircraft.
Todd and John talk about the potential for AAM operations in the U.S. They discuss several possible issues might slow adoption.

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Bad Fuel Line Causes Engine Fire & Crash - Episode 244 Oct 30, 2024

A fatal Piper PA-28-300 plane crash was caused by a loose fuel line that should never have been installed on the aircraft. The NTSB investigation of the fatal May 2018 crash shows that a fuel line that was not approved for use on that aircraft led to an engine fire.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia examine the details. Although the fuel line used was an approved aviation part, it was not approved for use in this aircraft. The NTSB could not determine who installed the part or when it was installed.

Approved parts used in unapproved ways is an ongoing issue in aviation. Some individuals in the general aviation community even promote the use of auto parts instead of more expensive approved aviation parts.

John, who worked on FAA committees on the issue of unapproved parts in the 1980s, has seen many unapproved part issues with several major airlines. The FAA began requiring more documentation for aircraft parts in the 1990s, but the problem persists.

The accident pilot was aware that the engine had issues. Before the flight, the pilot told a CFI that he would perform an engine runup and take off only if the runup was successful.

This accident involved pilot decision-making under uncertainty concerning whether to take off with an engine problem. This kind of issue happens at all levels of aviation. The fatal crash of an Alaska Airlines MD83 in 2000 is just another example.

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Another Disappointing Training Accident Report - Episode 243 Oct 23, 2024

Another flight training accident, another lacking NTSB report. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the NTSB report of a fatal June 2021 flight training accident near Indianapolis that lacks useful details or analysis.
The accident aircraft was Diamond DA40 with an instructor and student on board. The instructor had received a CFI certification about nine weeks before the accident. Most of the instructor's 329 hours of flight experience were with the same make and model of aircraft.
The accident sequence began with a stall that turned into a spin. A certified CFI must demonstrate the ability to recover from a spin. The airplane flight manual included specific instructions for spin recovery.
The NTSB recreated the accident sequence using a data card from the airplane and it showed that proper spin recovery techniques were not used. What was much less clear was how the CFI reacted in the situation.
The NTSB did not investigate the training of the CFI, the procedures used by the flight training organization, or the experience other students had with the CFI. There are not enough facts or insights in the report to make it useful to the aviation community.

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Aircraft Cabin Materials Cause Deadly Gases - Episode 242 Oct 16, 2024

Aviation around the world changed as a result of the fatal accident involving Air Canada Flight 797. The investigation led to massive changes to the materials inside the cabins of commercial aircraft.

On June 2, 1983, the DC9-32 on a routine flight from Dallas to Toronto had an inflight smoke event that led to an emergency landing in Cincinnati. As the passengers and crew began evacuating the aircraft, a flash fire in the cabin created heat and toxic smoke that killed 23 of the 46 occupants.

The NTSB investigation revealed that the fire caused the release of dangerous levels of toxic chemicals and gases from the materials used inside the cabin. This finding led to a systematic transition to new fire-blocking materials. John Goglia shares his role in replacing materials on aircraft he maintained.

This accident also led to the requirement for smoke detectors in lavatories. It also led to the use of air-driven flush motors in lavatories, rather than electrical flush motors.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Fatal Crashes Traced to Cirrus Pilots - Episode 241 Oct 09, 2024

Two recent Cirrus accidents killed a total of seven people. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis have some advice for Cirrus pilots to avoid similar tragedies. They caution newer technology supports, but is not a replacement for, good planning and pilot decision-making.

One accident at Kill Devil Hills airport in North Carolina, killed four adults and one child. Another, in Provo, Utah airport killed both occupants.

The Kill Devil Hills aircraft apparently had the maximum possible number of occupants. Todd shares his experiences flying with a heavily loaded aircraft and how weight impacts safe flight practices.

Kill Devil Hills Airport has a relatively short runway. Planning and maintaining a stabilized approach, making adjustments for trees and towers, and factoring in weather conditions all need consideration when planning to take off and land there.

Accident investigators are urged to look into the specific training the pilot had for this Cirrus model.

In the Utah flight, the aircraft may have entered an accelerated stall and crashed during a second approach shortly after turning from the downwind leg to the base leg.

Like the first accident, ADS-B data indicated that the accident aircraft did not recently land at the accident airport. The pilot’s lack of familiarity and planning may be key factors in the crash.

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Report on Fatal Air Crash Leaves Cause a Mystery - Episode 240 Oct 02, 2024

Fight instructor-related accidents and check ride failures at all levels of certificates and ratings are on the rise. Why? Insights are hard to come by.

The report on a February 24, 2024 fatal training flight in South Africa that killed the student pilot and the instructor does nothing to help that issue. The Flight Safety Detectives’ analysis of the document finds a lack of any insightful analysis of the factors that led to the fatal crash.

There are no useful insights or lessons that could benefit aviation safety. Any accident investigation has to provide some kind of aviation safety benefit, and this investigation did not meet that standard.

The flight involved a pre-solo student. The training manual may have included things not normally taught to a pre-solo student. Based on eyewitness testimony, the aircraft had a low and fast approach, followed by a wingover maneuver. The report does not answer the basic question of whether it was the student or instructor at the controls.

Greg Feith points out key factual evidence not analyzed or explained in the report. Todd Curtis calls for more details about the flight instructor and the flight school. John Goglia surmises that the report was written by someone without an aviation operations background.

Greg, who sits on the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) board of directors, encourages the audience to attend the upcoming NAFI national safety summit, https://nafisummit.org/. The summit will address concerns over the quality of flight training.

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Anxiety in Flight Turns Deadly - Episode 239 Sep 25, 2024

A second-in-command pilot left the cockpit and either jumped or fell out of an open rear cargo door of a CASA 212 aircraft flying over North Carolina. Digging into the details reveals he was self-medicating for anxiety and he may have been overcome by agitation during flight.

In this 2022 event, the main landing gear was damaged when the plane that was supporting sky diving tried to land. The crew diverted to a larger airport for a second landing attempt. During that diversion, the second in command was visibly upset. He left the cockpit and either intentionally or accidentally left the aircraft, falling to his death.

During the investigation, the NTSB found that this pilot was known to be a perfectionist who was hard on himself regarding his performance as a pilot.

The toxicological tests indicated that the pilot who died has mitragynine in his system, which is associated with the drug Kratom. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved Kratom for any use, and the Drug Enforcement Agency has identified Kratom as a drug of concern. Internal FAA policy considers its use disqualifying for pilots.

The probable cause for this event does not say anything about the role of Kratom or mental health issues. Addressing mental health in aviation is part of a larger societal problem that should be addressed. Aviation professionals don't have the incentive to get treatment for mental health issues because coming forward could end their career.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Critical Aviation Safety Issues Emerge from Voepass ATR72 Accident - Episode 238 Sep 18, 2024

The preliminary accident report on the August 9, 2024 crash of a Voepass ATR72 near Sao Paolo, Brazil has just been issued. John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith apply their expertise to examine the findings and critical aviation safety issues.

The report has detailed facts, including a summary of the flight, but several key pieces of information are missing. One big issue – no detailed transcript of what was said in the cockpit during the flight.
The report focuses on the aircraft's deicing and anti-icing systems, including its apparent malfunctions. This system was first activated after the crew received an alert from the aircraft's ice detection system, and was turned off less than a minute later.
The crew did not react appropriately after turning off the deicing system warning. Rather than leaving the altitude where the icing was occurring or disengaging the autopilot, the crew did neither.
Based on the portions of the crew's conversation during the flight in the report, John concludes that the crew was not paying enough attention to flying the airplane. They did not address warnings from the aircraft.
There is a potential conflict of interest that may impede getting all the details of this accident. The Brazilian Air Force runs CENIPA, the aviation accident investigative authority, and the Brazilian air traffic control organization. Greg and John share their firsthand experiences with investigators dealing with outside influences using the example of the 1994 Roselawn, Indiana ATR72 accident.
Key takeaway here: pilots, especially professional pilots, need to educate themselves about how icing affects their aircraft.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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When Mooney Airplane Doors Open in Flight - Episode 237 Sep 11, 2024

In March, a Mooney airplane door opened in flight, causing a loss of control and two fatalities. Todd and John examine this incident and three other Mooney events. Instead of a fault with Mooney aircraft, they find a pattern of very experienced pilots having issues and crashing when a passenger or baggage door opens in flight.

Doors open in flight often. The outcome depends on pilot action.

The pilot in the most recent crash had commercial and instrument ratings and nearly 800 hours of experience. Besides the door opening in flight, the NTSB found no other issues with the aircraft. The door alone should not have caused the plane crash.
In the earlier cases they discuss, all the pilots had at least a hundred hours of flight experience and there were no issues with the aircraft other than the doors opening in flight. One of those accidents had an instructor pilot on board, and between the student and instructor, they had over 9,000 hours of flight experience.
Todd shares an early similar flight experience when an oil access door came open during the takeoff roll. He aborted the takeoff. His current process during his flight training focuses on flying the aircraft and assessing the situation before taking any other action.

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Takeaways from AirVenture 2024 - Episode 236 Aug 28, 2024

Get the highlights of the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture 2024 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin!

Hundreds of thousands of attendees attended the multi-day event. All sectors of aviation were represented, from the military to general aviation, from exotic and experimental aircraft to flight demonstrations by military and civilian aircraft.
John Goglia attended once again this year and chatted with pilots, mechanics, elected officials, and aviation enthusiasts of every age. He met several people who regularly listen to the podcast, including some who offered ideas for future shows.
AirVenture is a unique airshow experience, but there are opportunities to visit other airshows around the country. Many local airports also offer opportunities for the general public, to see airplanes up close and speak to local pilots, flight schools, and others involved in aviation.

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Brazilian Aviation Woes: VoePass Deadly Crash & ATC Comms Issues - Episode 235 Aug 21, 2024

What led to the deadly crash of a Voepass Linhas Aereas in August? Video of the flight's final moments show the aircraft rapidly descending in a flat spin. Early reports on the accident mention that icing conditions were present in the area at the time of the crash.

Recovering from a spin in a large airliner is a significant challenge for pilots. Understanding how to avoid situations that lead to stalls and spins is the best way to avoid these tragedies.

Flight training typically does not require pilots to experience actual spins. Even full-motion simulators do not provide the full range of physical experience on an actual airplane. Pilots need to understand their aircraft's stall and spin characteristics and the situations that make an aircraft's wings more prone to stalling.
John Goglia shares his experience as an NTSB Board member investigating a 1994 icing-related crash of an ATR72. That investigation included an FAA test involving another ATR72 in controlled icing conditions, which revealed that certain icing conditions could result in icing that the ATR72's deicing system could not control.

Todd Curtis and John also delve into an incident at Boston Logan Airport where the pilot of a Brazil-registered Embraer Phenom 300E who had difficulties communicating with an air traffic controller. The pilot could not follow several ATC requests, resulting in altitude and speed deviations during a landing approach.

English is the language used by ATC at international airports, but pilots from countries where English is not the language used to communicate can have difficulties. The English used for air traffic control is not the same English used in normal conversations. Even native English speakers have challenges when communicating with ATC, particularly those performing a single-pilot IFR flight.

Related documents are available at the Fight Safety Detectives website.

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Use ASRS to Report UAP and UFO Encounters - Episode 234 Aug 14, 2024

NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) can be used by pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, and others in the aviation safety community to report UAP or UFO encounters without revealing their identity or the identity of their employers.

Todd Curtis discussed this in a June 2024 presentation at the Contact in the Desert Conference in Palm Springs, California. In this episode, he and John Goglia dig deeper into the issue of reporting of these encounters in the aviation community. While neither of them has seen an incident report that mentioned a UFO or UAP, that it does not mean that they have never happened.

Based on his experience in both industry and academia, Curtis believes that if he had come across this kind of information, he would not have included that fact in any report because it would not have been well received by his colleagues.
UAP and UFOs are legitimate risk concerns, but civilian organizations like the FAA have not formally started to collect this kind of data. Todd and John share the factors that they think are barriers to such data collection.

NASA's ASRS database already has at least 13 UAP events, each involving an unidentified phenomenon, an aerospace vehicle with unconventional capabilities, or a conventional aerospace vehicle in an unconventional location or situation. Todd and John discuss the most unusual report, involving an aerospace vehicle that was too small to carry a pilot and that exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability.
Anyone with an aviation-related UAP encounter should submit a report to the ASRS to help the aviation community better understand UAP risks.

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NTSB Party System Scrutinized - Episode 233 Aug 07, 2024

Issues from the NTSB investigation of a 2023 railroad accident are used to discuss the voluntary party system. The system is designed to encourage cooperative efforts in an investigation, which does not always work.
In the party system, an organization or an individual with relevant expertise or information is invited to participate directly in an NTSB investigation. These parties are required to follow basic rules. They are expected to provide the NTSB information or expertise that helps the investigation and limit discussing details with the media and others not involved in the investigation.
In the NTSB investigation of a 2023 rail accident involving a Norfolk Southern train in Ohio, Norfolk Southern was a designated party. Late in the investigation, Norfolk Southern submitted information that the NTSB rejected because of how and when it was submitted.
Based on statements in the final report and in the public docket, Norfolk Southern did not operate properly as a party to the investigation. They conducted an independent investigation and held information that should have been given to the NTSB.
Should inappropriately late submissions be included in an NTSB investigation? The NTSB did not state if this late submission had critical information. Greg Feith and John Goglia favor analyzing all information to determine whether it helps the investigation.

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Fireworks on a Helicopter Lead to Federal Charges- Episode 232 Jul 31, 2024

A YouTube video showing fireworks fired from a low-flying helicopter at a speeding Lamborghini has led to federal charges for the creator.

Suk Min Choi was charged in June by the U.S. Department of Justice with one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft. At least four other people were involved, including two or three people in an apparent Robinson R44 helicopter and the drivers of two vehicles.
Replicating a sequence from a video game, Choi presses a “fire missiles” button while people in the helicopter shoot fireworks at the Lamborghini. In the video posted to YouTube, it appeared that there were cameras in the helicopter, the Lamborghini, and a second vehicle on the ground.

In addition to law-breaking activities, this event has scary aviation safety risks. The helicopter pilot may have violated one or more FAA regulations concerning flying for commercial purposes. And, the helicopter was clearly flown in a hazardous manner. The pilot may have problems finding employment if their involvement becomes public.
Even stunts in the air need to follow appropriate laws, regulations, and safety procedures and should be done after consulting with partners like insurance providers, the FAA, and other appropriate authorities.

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Midair Collision Between Cessna 172 and Dash 8 Highlights Aviation Safety Concerns in Mixed-Use Airports- Episode 231 Jul 24, 2024

A fatal midair collision involving a Cessna 172 illustrates several aviation safety concerns related to pilot training in and around airports with commercial operations. The incident involved a student and instructor on board performing touch-and-go landings and a Dash 8 departing on a passenger flight.
While the event happened in Kenya, the circumstances that led to this accident could happen in any location where airliners and small training aircraft operate out of the same airport. In this case, the midair collision occurred only about 500 feet above the ground and 1500 feet below a broken cloud layer in an area with over 10 km of visibility.
The Cessna 172 was performing touch-and-go landings on from one of the airport's runways. Shortly after the Dash 8 departed from an intersecting runway, the stabilizer of the airliner collided with the Cessna. The Cessna crashed, killing both on board. Todd Curtis and John Goglia analyze the preliminary report, which came out three months after the accident.

They examine the transcript of ATC communications around the time of the accident. Anyone who operates aircraft in similar circumstances could learn something useful from studying this event.

Immediately after the collision, the transcript of the ATC communications stated that during 97 seconds, there was "unrelated transmission from other traffic." Any transmissions to or from aircraft near the collision could provide useful clues into what was known or not known by ATC and aircraft crews in the vicinity.
Related document is available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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How to Fix Quality Issues at Boeing - Episode 230 Jul 17, 2024

Boeing should use a third-party organization that would act on behalf of the FAA to monitor the design and production of its aircraft. That’s the proposal of special guest and Kilroy Aviation CEO Mike Borfitz published in a June 28, 2024 editorial in Aviation Daily.
This kind of oversight had been provided in the past by Boeing employees who acted as the eyes and ears of the FAA. The process is based on FAA regulations created in 2005 that allowed manufacturers to create Organization Designation Authorizations (ODAs), groups of employees who were paid by the manufacturer and who worked for the FAA.
The effectiveness of this organizational setup for Boeing was questioned in the wake of the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. Borfitz's proposal would address the weaknesses of the previous setup by having a third-party organization outside of Boeing's control act as Boeing's ODA. This would make it more likely that concerning issues would be brought to the attention of the FAA.
This episode includes a wide-ranging discussion of how aircraft are certified to FAA standards. Todd Curtis and Borfitz, both of whom worked for Boeing when the company merged with McDonnell Douglas, relate that the merger led high-level Boeing managers to focus more on shareholder value.
Borfitz expresses his belief that the current Department of Justice sanctions against Boeing that require an independent monitor to oversee compliance and safety for three years would be ineffective because it allows Boeing to return to its previous management policies in three years.

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The Insidious Passenger and Pilot Killer - Episode 229 Jul 10, 2024

Hypoxia is a significant danger in aviation and an insidious killer of passengers and pilots. Special guest Miles O'Brien hosts a discussion with aviation experts Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia that covers how hypoxia impacts all forms of aviation. They discuss personal experiences with hypoxia and share insights from several hypoxia-related accidents.

Hypoxia is a condition where the human body is deprived of oxygen which can reduce mental function. Hypoxia can be particularly hazardous for pilots because someone experiencing hypoxia may not be aware of its symptoms or its effects on their performance.

One high-profile incident in 1999 took the life to golfer Payne Stewart. He was a passenger in a Learjet 35 that took off from Orlando Executive Airport and became non-responsive to air traffic control. Fighter jets intercepted the plane and determined the crew was unconscious. After 1500 miles the jet ran out of fuel and crashed over South Dakota.

Greg, Todd, Miles, and John have all experienced hypoxia in controlled altitude chambers. They share their experiences, which include feelings of euphoria, reduced mental capacity, reduced physical performance, and even a case of high-altitude bends.

Key to understanding hypoxia is the concept of time of useful consciousness, which is the amount of time a person can spend at altitude without feeling the effects of hypoxia. That period of time gets smaller as altitude increases. Age, stress, and other factors may shorten those times.

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Dangers of Turbulence - Episode 228 Jul 03, 2024

Planes that experience turbulence in flight are getting a lot of headline attention lately. During one widely covered incident of turbulence in May 2024 a passenger aboard a Singapore Airlines flight was killed.

Serious turbulence leading to injuries is not uncommon. Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss several notable in-flight turbulence events, including the death of 1950s era test pilot Scott Crossfield.

Specific and useful information about turbulence conditions is often not readily available. However, pilots can avoid turbulence, either by adjusting the planned flight to miss major areas of turbulence or by deciding not to take off if the risks are high.

Airline passengers also have a role in dealing with turbulence dangers. Seatbelts and keeping items stowed in flight minimize the risks in bumpy conditions.

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Criminalization Threatens Aviation Safety - Episode 227 Jun 26, 2024

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 Lead to Plane Crash - Episode 226 Jun 19, 2024

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.

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Fourth Incident for Hughes 369 Helicopter Proves Fatal - Episode 225 Jun 12, 2024

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.

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Training Flight Disaster - Episode 224 Jun 05, 2024

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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Electrical Failure Leads to 727 Crash in Pacific Ocean - Episode 223 May 29, 2024

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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$4 Million Mistake on Air Force One - Episode 222 May 22, 2024

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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2020 Midair Collision Revisited- Episode 221 May 15, 2024

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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Bad Pilot Decisions Kill - Episode 220 May 08, 2024

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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Witnessing Excellence at the 2024 AMC Competition in Chicago - Episode 219 May 01, 2024

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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The Laura Taber Barbour Foundation Legacy in Aviation Safety - Episode 218 Apr 24, 2024

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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Navigating the Risks of Post-Maintenance Flights - Episode 217 Apr 17, 2024

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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Stall Warning Flight Test Turns Disastrous - Episode 216 Apr 10, 2024

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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Photo Shoot Model Struck by Aircraft Wing - Episode 215 Apr 03, 2024

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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Crash Shows Dangers of Home Built Aircraft - Episode 214 Mar 27, 2024

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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Stall and Spin Maneuvers Lead to Fatal Cessna 172 Crash - Episode 213 Mar 20, 2024

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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Two New Aviation Safety Incidents Involving Boeing Planes - Episode 212 Mar 15, 2024

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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eVTOL Safety – Episode 211 Mar 13, 2024

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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Challenger 604 Roadway Emergency Landing Mistakes – Episode 210 Mar 06, 2024

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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Pilots in Helicopter Crash Repeat Errors in Kobe Bryant Crash - Episode 209 Feb 28, 2024

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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Declaring an In-Flight Emergency Can Save Your Life – Episode 208 Feb 21, 2024

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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Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Jenni Rivera Plane Crash– Episode 207 Feb 14, 2024

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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Plane Crash Caused by Pilot's Poor Decisions and Lack of Aircraft Understanding – Episode 206 Feb 07, 2024

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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Bad Decisions Take Airplanes Out of the Sky – Episode 205 Jan 31, 2024

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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Accident or Conspiracy? Singer Jenni Rivera Lear 25 Accident Examined – Episode 204 Jan 24, 2024

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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Singer Jenni Rivera’s Fatal Plane Crash Examined – Episode 203 Jan 17, 2024

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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Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 737 MAX 9 Update – Episode 202 Jan 10, 2024

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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JAL Flight 516 Crash Factors Emerge– Episode 201 Jan 10, 2024

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 Finds Loose Bolts on 737 MAX 9 Aircraft – Episode 200 Jan 09, 2024

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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737-9 Max Exit Door Panel Failure – Episode 199 Jan 07, 2024

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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Expert Insights into the Japan Airlines A350 Aviation Disaster – Episode 198 Jan 04, 2024

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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ATSB Report Offers Aviation Safety Details and Insight – Episode 197 Dec 27, 2023

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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Examining General Aviation Safety Issues – Episode 196 Dec 20, 2023

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 Create Dramatic Turboprop Incident – Episode 195 Dec 13, 2023

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 flightcrew 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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Poor Aeronautical Decision Making and Operational Negligence Kills 7 – Episode 194 Dec 06, 2023

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.

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High-Flying Drama: Drone and Helicopter Collide in Mid-Air – Episode 193 Nov 29, 2023

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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Bad Decisions Lead to Cessna Engine Failure and Crash – Episode 192 Nov 22, 2023

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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Devastating Banner Tow Plane Crash – Episode 191 Nov 15, 2023

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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Major League Pitcher Halladay's Flight Stunts Lead to Death – Episode 190 Nov 08, 2023

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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Pilot Attempts to Crash Plane, Lockerbie Bomb and More Crimes in Flight – Episode 189 Nov 01, 2023

The recent eventwhere 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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High Risk Choices Lead to Plane Crash that Kills 2 – Episode 188 Oct 25, 2023

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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Getting Serious About UAP Sightings – Episode 187 Oct 18, 2023

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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Too Many Plane Crashes Caused by Flight Instructor Error – Episode 186 Oct 13, 2023

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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UAPs Pose Flight Safety Threats – Episode 181 Oct 03, 2023

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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Medical Helicopter Crashes Show Aviation Safety Risks – Episode 185 Sep 27, 2023

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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Accident Kills Entire Reba McEntire Band – Episode 184 Sep 20, 2023

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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Gender Reveal Plane Crash Kills One, Bad Parts Back in Circulation – Episode 183 Sep 13, 2023

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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A Model for Investigating UAP Events – Episode 182 Sep 07, 2023

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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Fun Leads to Tragedy for Famous Composer James Horner – Episode 180 Aug 23, 2023

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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Aviation Thrill Seekers Beware – Episode 179 Aug 16, 2023

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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The Aviation Disaster that Ended an Empire – Episode 178 Aug 09, 2023

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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Carbon Fiber in the Air and Under the Sea – Episode 177 Aug 02, 2023

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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NYC Air Crash Shows Danger of Wing Contamination – Episode 176 Jul 26, 2023

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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Charter Flight Safety Boosted with Part 135 Certification Rules – Episode 175 Jul 19, 2023

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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Aviation Safety Lessons from First Flight into a Special Use Airport – Episode 174 Jul 12, 2023

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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Aircraft Cargo Door Headaches – Episode 173 Jul 05, 2023

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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Flight Plan Creates Aviation Safety Risks – Episode 172 Jun 28, 2023

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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John Goglia's Unique Insight into USAir Plane Crash – Episode 171 Jun 21, 2023

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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Keith Green Plane Crash Shows Value of Accident Investigation – Episode 170 Jun 14, 2023

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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Small Hardware Causes Big Aviation Safety Problems – Episode 169 Jun 07, 2023

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 & Real-World Safety – Episode 168 May 31, 2023

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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40 Percent Power in a Cessna 150? – Episode 167 May 24, 2023

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 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 Aircraft Creating Safety Concerns - Episode 155 Mar 01, 2023

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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Phraseology and Aviation Safety - Episode 154 Feb 22, 2023

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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19 Operational Mistakes and 1 Ruined Helicopter - Episode 153 Feb 15, 2023

“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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A320 Elevator Damage Impacts Flight - Episode 152 Feb 08, 2023

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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Experienced Test Pilot Doomed by Severe Weather- Episode 151 Feb 01, 2023

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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Flight Instructors Can Be Dead Wrong - Episode 150 Jan 25, 2023

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 Kills – Episode 149 Jan 18, 2023

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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Troy Gentry Crash Caused by Maintenance Error – Episode 148 Jan 11, 2023

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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Aviation Skills Save Harrison Ford – Episode 147 Jan 04, 2023

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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Peter Tomarken Air Crash Was Survivable Dec 21, 2022

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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Aviation Safety & Animals – Episode 145 Dec 14, 2022

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 & Avoid - Episode 144 Dec 07, 2022

"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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Mooney Accident in Maryland - Episode 143 Nov 30, 2022

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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Recent Air Crash Leads to Urgent Aviation Safety Recommendation Nov 23, 2022

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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Passenger Suicide in Flight Nov 16, 2022

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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John Denver Crash and Experimental Aircraft Nov 09, 2022

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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Failure to Plan Leads to Cessna 150 Crash Nov 02, 2022

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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Level 5 Thunderstorm Leads to Plane Crash Oct 26, 2022

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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Swedish Accident Reveals Stall Sensor Lessons Oct 20, 2022

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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Sick Airplane or Pilot Incompetence? Oct 12, 2022

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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Mechanical Malfunction Suspected in Recent Cessna 182G Crash Oct 05, 2022

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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Poor Aeronautical Decision-Making Causes Piper Crash Sep 28, 2022

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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Human Factors Ignored on the Maintenance Floor Sep 21, 2022

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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The FAA AC that Could Save Your Life Sep 14, 2022

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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Worthless NTSB Report Adds to Faulty Safety Data Sep 07, 2022

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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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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How to Get Information on Aircraft Incidents Aug 31, 2022

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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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Tips for Today's General Aviation Pilots Aug 24, 2022

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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Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.

Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Cessna 310R Air Crash Report Highlights and Failures Aug 17, 2022

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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Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.

Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Air Safety Insights Comes Addressing the Whys the NTSB Misses Aug 11, 2022

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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Pilot Training Causes Fatal Cessna 421 Crash Aug 03, 2022

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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Live from OshKosh – A Pilot's Story of Disaster Averted Jul 29, 2022

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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Air Disasters in the Making? Jul 20, 2022

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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Manufacturer Repair Failure Causes Air Crash – Episode 123 Jul 06, 2022

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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Prop Design Causes Air Crash – Episode 122 Jun 29, 2022

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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Air Crash Not an Accident Episode 121 Jun 22, 2022

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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Aviation Safety with the Flight Safety Foundatio Jun 15, 2022

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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FAA Takes Right Action Against Pilots in Recent Stunts Jun 01, 2022

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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Celebrating Charlie Taylor and Aviation Maintenance Today May 24, 2022

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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Aircraft Maintenance Highs and Lows May 11, 2022

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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How to Polish Rusty Pilot Skills May 04, 2022

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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A Week of Fatal Crashes Apr 27, 2022

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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Building the Backstory of Air Crashes Apr 20, 2022

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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The Real Story with Boeing Apr 13, 2022

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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Details About China Eastern Plane Crash and a Challenge for Mechanics Apr 06, 2022

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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Deadly Helicopter Crash and Flight Instructor Issues Mar 31, 2022

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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Compton Crash Is a Lesson in What Not to Do Mar 23, 2022

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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Fatal Crash Severs Cessna Wing Mar 17, 2022

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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Malaysian Flight 370 Crash Update Plus War Impacts Aviation Safety Mar 11, 2022

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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Ukraine Crisis and Other Aviation Threats, Thumbs Down for Downfall Mar 02, 2022

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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Cirrus Air Crash on Final Approach Feb 23, 2022

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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Frontier-Spirit Merger Creating One Gigantic Bad Airline? Feb 16, 2022

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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Chasing the Wrong Safety Problems Feb 09, 2022

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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United Aviate Academy – Better or Worse than College Programs? Feb 02, 2022

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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Wellstone Crash Report Misses Important Safety Findings Jan 26, 2022

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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Last US Airline Drops College Education Requirement for Pilots Jan 19, 2022

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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100 Episodes and Going Strong Jan 13, 2022

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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Tis the Season for Aviation Accidents Dec 23, 2021

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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Fatal Aircraft Accidents Raise Safety Questions – Episode 98 Dec 16, 2021

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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Flight Safety Tips for General Aviation this Holiday Season Dec 08, 2021

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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Safety Training Needs a Retool Dec 01, 2021

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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Icing Issues General Aviation Pilots Need to Know Nov 24, 2021

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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Fascinating Back Stories of a Life in Aviation Nov 17, 2021

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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Space Safety Insights with Hall of Fame Astronaut Hoot Gibson Nov 10, 2021

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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Ohio Accident Report Weak on Facts – Episode 92 Nov 03, 2021

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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NBAA Spotlights Avionics, Automations and Technology Oct 27, 2021

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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Two Crashes Show Importance of Preflight Inspections Oct 20, 2021

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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Engine Oil Analysis Data Tells a Flight Safety Story Oct 13, 2021

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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Fresh Analysis of Deadly Crash Involving Travis Barker Oct 06, 2021

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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Fresh Analysis of Deadly Crash Involving Travis Barker Oct 06, 2021

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.

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.

Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.

Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Accident or Crash? Sep 30, 2021

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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Digging into Cessna 421 Crash Reveals Missed Safety Issues Sep 22, 2021

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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Cape Air Crash Has Takeaways for All Pilots Sep 15, 2021

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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Ignoring Service Bulletins and ADs Can Lead to Tragedy Sep 10, 2021

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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Drone Pilots Under Surveillance Sep 01, 2021

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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Chain of Events Leads to Tragic LAX Runway Accident Aug 25, 2021

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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Inside the Investigation of Korean Air Flight 801 Aug 18, 2021

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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EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 Recap Aug 11, 2021

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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TWA Flight 514 Lasting Impact on Aviation Safety Jul 21, 2021

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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Flight 810 Questions Lead to Questions Jul 14, 2021

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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Is a Rise in Aircraft Accidents a COVID Legacy? Jul 07, 2021

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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737 Crash in Hawaii Jul 02, 2021

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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UAPs in the News Jul 01, 2021

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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Alarming Passenger Behavior Threatens Flight Safety Jun 23, 2021

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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Accident 42 Years Ago Has Safety Lessons Today Jun 16, 2021

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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Attracting Underserved Communities to Aviation Careers Jun 09, 2021

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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Tribute to Charles Taylor the Father of Aircraft Maintenance May 27, 2021

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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Students Speak Out About ERAU Experience May 20, 2021

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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ERAU Students Leading Safety Research May 12, 2021

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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Living the Safety Culture at Embry-Riddle May 05, 2021

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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Pratt & Whitney Engine Failure Investigation Heats Up Apr 28, 2021

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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Fatal Helicopter Accident in Alaska and More on NTSB Challenges Apr 21, 2021

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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Piper Bolt Holes AD Findings and Best Practices Apr 14, 2021

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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Rebuilding the FAA Around the World Apr 07, 2021

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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Crew Resource Management in the Air and Everywhere Mar 31, 2021

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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How Not to Deice a Plane & UA 777 Updates Mar 24, 2021

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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Contained or Uncontained? Mar 17, 2021

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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Expert Look at the United Airlines Engine Failure Mar 10, 2021

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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Rental Aircraft Safety Mar 03, 2021

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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Piper Safety Issues, Kobe Bryant Crash, Indonesia 737-500 Crash Feb 24, 2021

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.

Kobe Bryant Crash

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.

Indonesia Sriwijaya Air Crash

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.

Piper Aircraft Wing Issues

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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The FAA and Building a Safety Culture Feb 17, 2021

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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FAA Struggles Following 737 Max Issues Feb 10, 2021

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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Complacency Hitting Aviation Safety from NTSB to the Cockpit Feb 03, 2021

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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Light Sport Aircraft Safety Jan 27, 2021

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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Crash Illustrates Shortcomings of NTSB General Aviation Accident Investigations Jan 20, 2021

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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All You Need to Know About Whole Aircraft Rescue Parachute Systems Jan 13, 2021

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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Piloting Issues in Business and Charter Aviation Jan 06, 2021

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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Piper Wing Spar Corrosion Examined Dec 23, 2020

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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Assessing Cognitive Function in Pilots Dec 16, 2020

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.

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Drugs Impact Aviation Safety and WTF Segment Begins Dec 09, 2020

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.

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Emergency Response in Aviation - Episode 47 Dec 02, 2020

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/

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Propellers and Air Safety Nov 19, 2020

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.

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Icing on Aircraft Lessons from the Crash of AE 4184 Nov 11, 2020

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.

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Photo credit: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Revisiting the Crash Scene of American Eagle Flight 4184 Nov 04, 2020

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.

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NTSB Still Not Onsite, CO Pilot Makes Up the Rules Oct 28, 2020

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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Is the NTSB Obsolete? Oct 14, 2020

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.

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Episode 41 - End of a Long Day and Weather Add Up to Disaster Oct 07, 2020

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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Assumptions and Expectations Can Kill Sep 30, 2020

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.

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Accident Shows Importance of Pilot and Mechanic Communication Sep 23, 2020

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!

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Merion Air Disaster Revisited Sep 16, 2020

Episode 38

When a Piper Aerostar collided in mid-air with a Bell 412 helicopter over an elementary school in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, in 1991 Greg Feith was among the first investigators on the scene. Greg and John revisit the investigation to highlight NTSB findings that are relevant for pilots today.

The accident started the NTSB discussion and definition of aeronautical decision making. ADM is an important component of safe flying, in the cockpit and the hangar.

In the 1991 accident, five people in both aircraft were killed, including United States Senator John Heinz. Two school children on the ground were also killed by falling debris. More people on the ground were injured.

Greg describes the heartbreaking scene as well as the challenges of recovering evidence from a large debris field. Calling this a tragic event resulting from a “series of simple errors,” Greg talks about the role of crew experience, pilot communication and other notable factors.

Image from the NTSB accident report. Episode Photo: Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - N104RM 1980 Piper AEROSTAR 601P C/N 61P07568063375, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58210408

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Minute-by-Minute Examination of ValuJet Flight 592's Electronic Witness Sep 09, 2020

Episode 37

The cockpit voice recorder is called the “electronic witness” by crash investigators. In this episode, John and Greg walk through the CVR recovered during the investigation of ValuJet Flight 592 that crashed in the Everglades.

The CVR captures conversations. It also documents ambient noises that offer clues, especially when aligned with information from the flight data recorder.

Greg and John offer insight into what was learned from the CVR. Routine discussions quickly changed with the call of “fire” at 14:10. The recording shows rapid-fire issues unfolding. It chillingly shows that all on board seem to have succumbed to smoke asphyxiation before the plane crashed.

This second-by-second analysis expands on Episode 30 addressing listener questions and interest in detailed CVR analysis.

Photo: NTSB photo of recovered Flight Safety Recorder

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The Right Stuff: What It Takes to Be a Great Pilot Sep 02, 2020

Episode 36

A panel discussion from the campus of Vaughn College explores many aspects of a successful career in aviation. From formal education to soft skills, Greg, John and their guests explore the factors that lead to success.

Students discuss their plans and the options they are exploring to start their careers. Also featured are professor Capt. Emerson Allen, experienced pilot Capt. Chinar Shaw, and management department chair Dr. Maxine Lubner.

Highlights:

Training options and career paths
The role of women in all aspects of aviation
Importance of communication and management skills
Passion as a key trait

Listen as panel members share their first-hand experiences and field questions from students.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is a private college in East Elmhurst, New York, specialized in aviation and engineering education. John serves as an instructor in the management program. This episode was recorded prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in the US.

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Flying Safely Is an Obligation Not to Take Casually Aug 26, 2020

Episode 35

The Cessna P210N crash near Detroit, Michigan gets a close look in this episode. The National Transportation Safety Board recently released the accident final report and Greg and John layer on their analysis of the facts.

On June 24, 2018 the accident led to the death of the pilot and his wife and serious injury to a 17-year-old son. While the NTSB report largely attributes the crash to lack of fuel, John and Greg raise serious questions about that conclusion, the pilot’s qualifications and the airworthiness of the plane.

They explore:

The obligation of pilots to make sure they have the necessary training and that their aircraft are safe to fly
The grey areas of what mechanics can do when an issue is found and an owner does not authorize repair
Post-accident clues that are not pursued

Listen as John and Greg dissect the tragic event from takeoff through the investigation process. Questions remain that unfortunately will not be answered now that the final report has been issued.

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Time to Apply PRIA Standards Inside the Hangar Aug 19, 2020

Episode 34

Air safety does not begin and end with pilots. It is impacted by everyone who has a role with a plane, including maintenance personnel. Flight Safety Detectives Greg Feith and John Goglia call for higher standards to be applied to all personnel whose jobs impact aviation safety.

The Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 (PRIA) requires that air carriers evaluate information about each pilot’s training, experience, qualification, and safety background. It is long past due that the same standard be applied to the people working in other roles on aircraft.

John and Greg look at the story behind the recent FAA announcement to check the engines of 737 jets idled by the pandemic. Far from an airframe issue, this illustrates the complex maintenance issues that are created when aircraft are stored. As discussed in previous episodes, all planes – from general aviation to airliners – should get an extensive check before they are returned to service.

They also revisit the crash of Air Midwest Flight 5481 in North Carolina. That crash was traced to an inexperienced mechanic as well as improper bag loading. Two issues outside of the cockpit made the job inside the cockpit impossible to perform.

Listen to this lively discussion that draws on years of experience to come to the call to tighten PRIA standards and apply them more broadly.

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The Discipline Needed for Aviation Safety Aug 12, 2020

Episode 33

Flight Safety Detectives listeners ask for insider details and John and Greg deliver! A theme in this wide-ranging discussion of questions received is the importance of discipline.

A listener asked for the backstory in the NTSB investigation of Eastern Airlines Flight 980. Greg shares the details of the Jan. 1, 1985 crash and the 10 months of effort that led to him climbing a mountain in search of the cockpit and flight data recorders. That crash, in part, was caused by the air check pilot not following procedures.

Another question related to 2011 crash of a Cessna 421. That accident illustrated the insidiously damaging effects of lightning strikes. John and Greg discuss errors in the NTSB accident report. A lack of a disciplined look into the engine damage missed the true cause.

The discussion discipline in all areas of aviation then turns to a series of accidents involving Mooney aircraft. Greg has again and again found fuel tank drain holes mistakenly plugged by sealant during repairs of other issues. This lack of care in maintenance leads to water in the fuel and disastrous results.

John and Greg conclude that it is the little things that matter, and a high level of discipline is needed to catch them.

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Mask Over the Mask? More COVID Airline Challenges Surface Aug 05, 2020

Episode 32

Instructions on how to use the oxygen mask is a mainstay of the airline safety briefing. With passengers now required to wear masks, does the mask go over the mask?

The tried and true safety briefing needs to be revamped in light of COVID-19 prevention measures.

Greg Feith and John Goglia look at standard safety protocols that are disrupted by COVID-19 precautions. They talk about what it will mean for airlines to keep passengers safe.

What about airflow in cabins? United has announced changes that increase air intake during boarding and deplaning. The importance of onboard hepafilters has also taken on new priority.

They also talk about the 25th anniversary of the Air France Concorde crash. That tragic event resulted in safety lessons and forever changed supersonic flight.

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Time for Manufacturers to Put Safety Over Profits Jul 29, 2020

Episode 31

Greg and John are torqued! Too many accidents, too much pilot error and too little attention to safety lessons learned.

Greg and John are not happy with the state of the industry and propose that manufacturers step in to make sure aircraft don’t wind up in the hands of airlines and pilots not equipped to operate safely. It is time to put safety over profits.

This episode covers recent accidents, including a plane piloted by a former baseball player, a mid-air crash over Lake Croeur, and a Pakistan International Airlines crash. All, they argue, can be directly attributed to pilot error.

General and commercial aviation will not be the same after COVID-19. Greg and John say this is a perfect time to change up approaches to safety.

They’d like to see more incentives for pilots to actively maintain their training and safety skills. They call on manufacturers to collaborate to create standards that customers must meet in order to qualify to purchase aircraft.

Listen as they explore ideas to reinvent the industry to incentivize safety.

Photo: Shadman Samee from Dhaka, Bangladesh / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)

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Backstories from ValuJet Flight 592 Crash Investigation Jul 22, 2020

Episode 30

Greg Feith takes us inside his experience as the NTSB investigator in charge (IIC) of the ValuJet Flight 592 investigation. John Goglia was also involved. Together they talk through the launch of that investigation and share many behind-the-scenes experiences.

Creative procurement of resources needed
A rental car that rolled into the water
3 am recovery of a wreckage “souvenir” at the home of a worker
The special smell in the hangar where the wreckage was reconstructed

These memories are overlaid with recollections of the high stress, emotion and expectations of the seven plus months of investigation. The teamwork onsite created many lasting connections and relationships.

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The Cost of Flight Safety Jul 07, 2020

Episode 29

Flight Safety Detectives Greg Feith and John Goglia look at the many costs associated with flight safety. Costs include dollars and lives.

July is proving to be a deadly month in the skies. In the first 7 days there were 7 fatal accidents, several with multiple fatalities. As investigations begin, John and Greg look at common potential factors like weather, mechanical issues, fuel supply and more.

They shed light on a new factor – COVID-19. Many pilots have been grounded during the pandemic. Pilots need to “get back in the books” to maintain flight skills. They need to recommit to the checklists that are designed to ensure safe operations.

John and Greg discuss how airlines and pilots often avoid acting on airworthiness directives (ADs) and service bulletins because of the time and cost involved. They share many illustrations of the larger costs of crashes and loss of lives.

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You Asked, Flight Safety Detectives Answer Jun 17, 2020

Episode 28

Flight Safety Detectives Greg Feith and John Goglia answer listener questions in this lively episode that shares details of air crash investigations. Get a rare look inside the NTSB command center and on-scene investigations.

The NTSB bell rings signaling an air crash. What’s next?
How does a systemic investigation happen amid the chaos of an accident scene?
What are the qualifications of investigation teams?
Who decides on the content of accident reports?

Hear about Greg’s bumpy ride to Guam, how John got in trouble while working at USAir, and more!

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A Well-Maintained Airplane Is a Safe Airplane Jun 10, 2020

Episode 27

Air crash investigators Greg Feith and John Goglia have seen too often that the safety of general aviation aircraft can be compromised by lack of maintenance. Their special guest this week has an hourly cost maintenance program to address that.

PistonPower™ is a comprehensive protection program for piston aircraft. Guest Remi Szymanski, Vice President for Business Development, discusses how the program works. With a fixed monthly cost, PistonPower creates a predictable maintenance budget for business and personal flying.

Turbine aircraft have had programs that cover maintenance costs for a long time. Now piston aircraft can have the same type program.

Listen to the episode to explore the details from John’s perspective as a wrench turner, Greg’s as a pilot, and both of their experiences as accident investigators.

Viewers can also learn more at the PistonPower website, https://pistonpower.com/

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A Free-Ranging Conversation with Expert Pilot Brian Schiff Jun 02, 2020

Episode 26

Flight Safety Detectives Greg Feith and John Goglia tap their network of aviation experts in this episode that focuses on pilots. Brian Schiff, a pilot with more than 40 years of experience in the cockpit, is the special guest.

Schiff is a commercial pilot and flight instructor who is recognized for his enthusiasm and ability to teach in way that simplifies complex procedures and concepts. He is the creator of a webinar on the impossible turn (returning to the departure runway following an engine failure soon after takeoff) to the possible turn.

John, Greg and Brian talk about the state of the airlines, general aviation, and pilot training. They offer predictions on how aviation will rebound post COVID-19.

As always, the focus is on safety and avoiding accidents. They look at the deliberate steps that pilots and airlines should take as flights resume.

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Passenger Safety and COVID-19 May 21, 2020

Episode 25

COVID-19 requires airports and airlines to rethink procedures. Air travel involves crowds and shared spaces. Cleaning and other processes from curb to curb need to be adapted to ensure the safety of the flying public.

Lisa Kay, COO Environmental Health Services Group, NV5, leads a team that works with organizations to ensure cleaning procedures are done properly based on CDC, EPA and other guidance. She talks with Greg and John about current and emerging options that can help make airports and airplanes safe.

From air filtration, to approved cleaning products, to anti-viral coatings to emerging technologies, the discussion covers the issues faced. Even the right solutions need to be applied properly by trained staff equipped with the right PPE.

John and Greg raise important considerations and use their experiences as passengers to look for the best solutions.

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Storing Airplanes Safely During COVID-19 May 15, 2020

Episode 24
Most aircraft are not getting used as often due to coronavirus-related restrictions. The Flight Safety Detectives explore the safety issues created by parking and storing airplanes of all sizes.

Airplanes are machines that like to be used. Counter-intuitively, there is actually greater potential for things to break with lack of use.

Greg and John bring two experts into the conversation: Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants, and Ken MacTiernan, PAMA board member and a 32-year aviation maintenance technician for American Airlines.

These veterans of daily use and maintenance as well as safety investigations highlight how to prepare aircraft for short term parking as well as longer term storage or “pickling.” The biggest enemy is moisture and corrosion.

Listen and learn what needs to be done to ensure airplanes can be operated safety after storage. For large airliners doing it right means 60-100 man hours of effort!

Once again, Greg and John talk about the issues impacting commercial, business and general aviation that are otherwise overlooked.

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COVID-19 Requires a New Approach to Air Safety May 05, 2020

Episode 23

As the world looks to get back on track, front and center is the need to maintain protections to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This is a challenge for the aviation industry that does not yet have a clear answer.

Greg, John and guest Dr. Joe Kravitz explore some options. They outline what is known about preventing the spread of viruses and the very real challenges of ensuring safety of crew members and passengers in air cabins.

Dr. Kravitz discusses the science behind the protocols he uses to assure safety and hygiene in his dental practice. The conversation highlights the challenge of disinfecting aircraft, the downsides of solutions that are being discussed, and what’s needed to truly provide a measure of safety.

COVID-19 will change air travel. This is one in a series of episodes where Greg and John explore the many implications.

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Accident Investigations: Tearing Down Engines Apr 27, 2020

Episode 22

Greg and John take a deep dive into the accident investigation process related to engines with guest Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants in Eagle River, Alaska.

Jason shares his experiences in two roles. He was the air safety representative for an engine manufacturer. He also served with the FAA. He shares first-hand accounts of how engines are assessed and analyzed from the first moments of an investigation.

Listen as Greg, John and Jason tear down engines, looking for the important details that contribute to an accident. They also talk about the safety insights and enforcement actions that can result.

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Who's Investigating? Apr 20, 2020

Episode 21

NTSB and FAA investigators are not deemed “essential” for the purposes of coronavirus guidance. That’s a huge concern for John and Greg as well as special guest Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants in Eagle River, Alaska.

Investigations of new accidents are all but on hold. Only basic information is being collected as personnel work from home. This even though investigators have biohazard training, proper protective equipment and the knowledge to conduct onsite investigations in a safe manner.

Perishable information is being lost as accidents are cleared and witnesses go without being interviewed. The NTSB and FAA say they plan to take up the backlog when operations get back to normal, but the work is sure to be much harder – and less insightful – as time passes.

There’s another wrinkle for the long term – the aviation industry role in providing expertise to crash investigations is dwindling. In the early 2000s, most manufacturers staffed up to have dedicated experts that contributed to crash investigations. This helped everyone identify root cases and safety issues more quickly.

Even before the heavy economic impacts of COVID-19, strapped manufacturers have not been back-filling investigator positions. That situation is certain to get worse as they deal with the losses from weeks and months of being all but shut down.

John, Greg and Jason share cases from their personal experiences to illustrate the risks and impacts these changes can have on air safety. They discuss the certain and urgent need to shift to new ways of handling air crashes and safety issues.

Photo caption: Once wreckage is removed from an accident site, investigations become more challenging. Photo: NTSB.

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Corona Virus Will Reshape the Aviation Industry Apr 10, 2020

Episode 20

Parked airplanes, photos courtesy of Ishrion Aviation

The corona virus pandemic will impact all aspects of aviation. Will the industry bounce back? Will it look the same?

The flying public will have increased safety concerns and expectations. Airlines will have to deal with impacts on planes, crews and procedures. John and Greg explore these implications and much more.

Some predictions:

Fleets will be reshaped, with planned retirements of 767s and other older planes accelerated
The anticipated pilot shortage will not be as acute, with fewer planes flying
Business travel will decrease with remote work and telecommuting becoming more common
New procedures will be needed for cleaning airplanes that prevents spread of the virus

The traveling public will need to be reassured that flying is safe. Social distancing and greater understanding of how viruses spread will change the way everyone looks at flying for work or pleasure. Airlines, airports, government and more will need to restore the confidence of the traveling public.

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Are Active Winglets the Next Game Changer for Aviation? Mar 27, 2020

Episode 19

John Goglia, center, with Tamarack’s Jacob Klinginsmith (left) and Nick Guida

Guests Nick Guida and Jacob Klinginsmith from Tamarack Aerospace Group talk about the company’s patented active winglets. Installed now on 100 Citation Jets, the winglets have proven to offer better climb, more range, and less fuel burn.

Active Winglets add up to 33 percent fuel savings on general aviation aircraft and at least double or triple fuel savings percentage on commercial or most military airframes.

Greg and John discuss the genesis of the idea, the impact for pilots, the effect on aircraft performance, and the environmental benefits of the active winglet technology. They look at the potential for military, commercial and general aviation.

They also explore a 2018 accident involving a Citation Jet equipped with active winglets. Despite initial negative press, the Tamarack technology was cleared for flight. Guida and Klinginsmith share lessons learned and ongoing efforts to work with the FAA to get out accurate information.

About Tamarack

Tamarack designs and develops innovative technology for business, commercial, and military aircraft, specializing in its revolutionary Active Winglets. Tamarack winglets create performance and fuel efficiencies that make aircraft more cost effective for operators and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is at the Tamarack website.

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Talking Drones with Drone Queen Loretta Alkalay Mar 18, 2020

Episode 18

Loretta Alkalay, a retired regional counsel for the FAA Eastern Region, is known as the “drone queen” for her passion as a drone user. She is this episode’s special guest as John and Greg explore all things drone.

Drones are an exciting way to get kids, and especially girls, involved in aviation at a time when the industry needs to build a pipeline of new talent. However, their use for commercial purposes, privacy concerns, and other issues have led to confusion and a rush for regulation.

John, Greg, and Loretta talk about current regulations as well as the FAA’s proposed rule on remote ID for drones.

They also bust some myths:

Drones can legally fly above 400 feet
It is not illegal for drones to fly within 5 miles of an airport

Learn more about the current state of drones in the US in this lively episode. Also check out the referenced resources, Women Who Drone and Women and Drones.

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Inspector General Report Signals Dangerous Air Safety Complacency Feb 25, 2020

Episode 17
The Department of Transportation’s Inspector General’s office recently issued a scathing report about failures in Southwest Airlines’ safety practices and culture. The report also criticizes the Federal Aviation Administration’s inspectors and leaders assigned to monitor Southwest for lax and ineffective safety oversight of the airline.

John and Greg discuss the issues found at Southwest, and broaden the discussion to US air safety practices in general. Air safety has been so good for so long -- are we getting dangerously complacent?

John and Greg discuss recent and historical incidents and lay out the need for a reinvigorated commitment to safety procedures.

The episode wraps with a new “What Would You Do” challenge that stems from the recent helicopter crash in California. If you were the pilot of a helicopter with a high-profile customer on board and deteriorating conditions, what would you do? Share your answer with John and Greg at flightsafetydetectives@gmail.com.

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NTSB Investigation of the Kobe Bryant Sikorsky Helicopter Crash Feb 18, 2020

Episode 16

The fatal Jan. 26, 2020, Sikorsky Helicopter Crash near Calabasas, California is the latest high-profile NTSB investigation. John and Greg use the unfortunate tragedy to look at the facts known so far and also to explain the NTSB investigative process.

They give listeners behind the scenes insight into what happens from the first moments after an accident. John and Greg share examples from the many investigations they have been part of to review what is known and what remains to be learned in this case.

The NTSB has already shared an update and some video footage from the investigation.

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Fly the Way You Train, Train the Way You Fly Jan 23, 2020

Episode 15
They have dissected the more than 300 pages of the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) final report on Lion Air Flight 610 and John and Greg reach a very different conclusion. The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) was not the root cause, flight crew deficiencies are more likely the root cause.
Once again, John and Greg stick to the facts presented in the report. They find that those facts are twisted in the report analysis as well as media coverage. This leads to misplaced blame on the MCAS system and, worse, missed opportunities to improve aviation safety.
Calling the conclusion that MCAS was the cause a “leap of logic,” John and Greg instead look at documented issues with crew training and the direct parallels those issues have to what happened in the cockpit that fateful day.

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Lion Air Accident Report Analysis Jan 16, 2020

Episode 14
Greg and John do a moment by moment analysis of the events leading up to the crash of Lion Air Flight 610.

They share their takeaways following months of dissecting the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) final report regarding the crash. They put the facts in context – facts listed in the report as well as details that are missing.

The MCAS system that is widely blamed for the crash was activated for only 10 seconds of the first 6 minutes of the 11:37 flight. The report shows that the pilot was controlling the plane.

The Flight Safety Detectives find:

The airplane was not airworthy for days prior to the crash
Maintenance was not done properly
Flight crew stresses: the captain was sick and the first officer was called in ahead of his regular schedule
At takeoff, aircraft control warnings were triggered that are not analyzed for impact on the sequence of events
Flight crew did not follow procedures
Quality of the pilot training program is not examined

John and Greg bring in insights from other crashes to provide an unmatched analysis of this tragedy.

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The (Real) Facts of the Indonesian Report Jan 08, 2020

Episode 13
The Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) final report regarding the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 continues to get a lot of media attention. Moving away from soundbites, John and Greg examine the actual words and facts found in the report and call out numerous false narratives.

Chaos in the cockpit? The report mentions that the sound of pages being turned in the operations manual could be heard on the cockpit voice recorder.

Aircraft failure? The report does not support that conclusion. The report documents known maintenance issues that were not fixed more than 20 days before the crash. It also fails to dig into the pilot training program.

These and other facts in the report lead to conclusions other than the current focus on the aircraft as being the root cause of the crash, according to the Flight Safety Detectives.

They also discuss recent developments at Boeing and the impacts for airlines, employees, investors and the flying public.

Photo: Greg in the simulator at Boeing Headquarters in Seattle.

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Asking the Hard Questions at Boeing and Looking at Recent General Aviation Crashes Jan 08, 2020

Episode 12
John and Greg share observations from their recent visit to Boeing headquarters. During executive briefings they asked the same tough questions they pose in their podcasts, sometimes stumping the experts.

They share how the visit validated the observations they have shared about the LionAir and Ethiopian Airline crashes. They also found more details that are important to finding the answers that will lead to increased air safety.

This episode also digs into two Thanksgiving weekend general aviation crashes. John and Greg walk you through their initial observations and provide a detailed walk-through of how investigators will determine the causes of both accidents.

Image: A Pilatus PC-12 single-engine aircraft, the type of plane that recently crashed in South Dakota.

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Patience! Tips for Safe Air Travel this Holiday Season Dec 18, 2019

Episode 11
The holiday season is a busy time for air travel. John and Greg advise that patience and planning can minimize the stress of holiday travel and help you arrive safely.

Give yourself plenty of extra time
Be sure your bags don’t have any prohibited items and meet size and weight limits
Review current TSA rules so you can get through security smoothly
Once on the plane, review the safety information and have a mental plan in case of emergency

Keep in mind that all the people who work in airports and on airplanes are trained professionals who want to keep you safe. Treat them with respect.

John and Greg note that air travel is safe and chances of an accident are minimal. A little preparation can make your holiday travels go smoothly.

In addition to offering these and other tips for a safe and stress-free flight, John and Greg call on the FAA to reconsider flight evacuation procedures. Reduced seating areas, passenger mobility issues, and other factors of modern air travel impact flight crews’ ability to meet the 90-second standard for evacuations.

Happy holidays from the Flight Safety Detectives!

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Aviation Safety Demands More than Soundbites and Other Takeaways from Boeing on Capitol Hill Dec 05, 2019

Episode 10
John and Greg explore what was said and what wasn’t said when Boeing executives recently spent two days on Capitol Hill testifying before congress. Their take: the hearings were an emotional platform for congressmen to point fingers, not an opportunity for fact finding.

As always, John and Greg use the podcast format to go deeper than 30 second soundbites. They talk in detail about the questions that need to be asked. They refocus the discussion on the facts of the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) final report.

The narrative that the crash was caused solely by the 737 Max Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) isn’t the whole story. Join John and Greg as they dive into the complex issues that deserve attention.

Photo credit: By User:Acefitt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69781313

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Lost Information, Unaddressed Issues and More Failures of the NTSC Final Lion Air Flight 610 Report Nov 27, 2019

Episode 9
The Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) has released its final report regarding the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 and John and Greg are far from satisfied. One thing is clear to these aviation experts: the focus was on returning the plane over and over again to revenue service, rather than fixing known issues.

In this episode, John and Greg focus on critical maintenance issues, some of which are presented as little more than footnotes in the NTSC final report. They find that the report presents selectively filtered information and lacks analysis, falling far short of providing much-needed answers. They apply their expertise to analyze critical failures.

Lion Air Flight 610 was a scheduled domestic flight operated by the Indonesian airline Lion Air from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta to Depati Amir Airport in Pangkal Pinang. On October 29, 2018, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating the route crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 passengers and crew.

Photo credit: PK-LQP, the Lion Air Flight 610 aircraft. Photo credit: PK-REN from Jakarta, Indonesia - Lion Air Boeing 737-MAX8; @CGK 2018, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73958203

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An Insider Look at NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigations Nov 13, 2019

Episode 8
John and Greg take listeners inside NTSB aircraft accident investigations. They use the case of Valujet Flight 592 to illustrate how the process works and the types of issues encountered.
The parties and technical experts involved can be forthcoming and not so helpful, with serious consequences. They also highlight how these investigations uncover the facts that can lead to everything from criminal proceedings to new safety procedures.
Valujet Flight 592 was a regularly scheduled flight from Miami International Airport to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. On May 11, 1996, the ValuJet Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-9 operating the route crashed into the Everglades about 10 minutes after taking off from Miami as a result of a fire in the cargo compartment.

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Distracted Flying in Commercial and General Aviation Creates Room for Error Nov 06, 2019

Episode 7
Accidents and other issues created by distracted driving make headlines across the country. Prompted by listener questions, John and Greg talk about the issue of distractions and flight safety.
They share recent incidents and observations involving pilots, mechanics and line crews where distractions of cell phones, iPads and cockpit technology are creating room for mistakes.
Is “distracted flying” leading to more things being missed?

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Cultural Differences in Airline Training, Experience and Decision-Making Oct 16, 2019

Episode 6
Pilot training and confidence is everything when it comes to safety in the air according to this week’s guest, Captain Chinar Shah. She’s a professional pilot, flying for more than 19 years,13 as a pilot in the airline ranks including a number of months in the Boeing 737 Max.

Shah used to fly for Jet Airways in India. She converted her license in the U.S. with the FAA and she has seen all sides of training in the United States and worldwide.

In this week’s episode, Shah and the Flight Safety Detectives talk about the training, confidence, knowledge, steel nerves and experience it takes to be the best of the best. According to Shah, pilots need to know what “The Normal” is in the air so when there is an extraordinary dangerous situation, the pilot knows immediately what is wrong and how to correct it.

She says, “The concern here is the reaction to the malfunction, rather than the malfunction itself....You can’t have a complete power outage, for example, with only three minutes to land and not know what to do.”

The culture of a country, the training and the airline may play a part in the way pilots react. Will a relatively new first officer with only 1,500 hours in the air comment on and help correct a mistake made in the cockpit by an experienced captain with more than 20,000 hours? She says, “There are times when I’ve seen people be completely submissive.”

Shah has a deep respect for all of the professionals who inspect, repair and approve an aircraft before it takes to the air. She says, “I’ve always had great rapport with engineers and mechanics and they always teach you a thing or two about the airplane. Sure, it’s always the PIC (Pilot in Charge) who says whether the plane goes but it’s a collective decision.”

Shah started her flying in general aviation in India. She says that introduced her to a system she says might inhibit the growth of decision making skills because it is so restrictive. “[Overseas] they are very reluctant to let you go solo…In my opinion, that does hamper your growth as a pilot - your decision making. In many parts of the world, you have someone telling you ‘do this, do that.’”

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Flight Safety and the Role of Airplane Maintenance Oct 10, 2019

Episode 5
Flight safety Detectives Greg Feith and John Goglia welcome Kathy Yodice, Managing Partner, Law Offices of Yodice Associates, for a lively discussion of aviation regulations and legalities.
An important theme is the role that maintenance and maintenance technicians play in airplane safety for both air carriers and general aviation.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Deconstructing the NTSB 737 Max Safety Recommendations Oct 02, 2019

Episode 4
In their latest podcast (#4) Former NTSB Board Member John Goglia and former NTSB Lead Investigator Greg Feith dissect the recently released Boeing 737 MAX Safety recommendations issued by the NTSB.

The Detectives criticize the recommendations because they task the FAA and aircraft manufacturers with “dumbing down” the latest generation commercial airplanes to make up for the incompetent or unqualified pilots who may be flying these airplanes in the future.

Feith says that “these recommendations are an embarrassment and an insult to the well-trained men and women who spend hundreds of hours in training and are capable, competent and well qualified to handle any issue that they may face.”

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its first wave of safety recommendations in the wake of the October 2018 Lion Air and the March 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crashes involving Boeing 737 Max planes. In this episode, Greg Feith and John Goglia not only question the validity of those recommendations, but also highlight the importance of pilot experience and training.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Who's Accountable and What Caused the Ethiopian Airlines Crash? Sep 18, 2019

Episode 3

"In the US we have the NTSB which is an independent investigative authority. Ethiopia does not have that. How is it that that they are going to be held accountable?"
"Some preliminary information...indicates that the AoA vane (an exterior part that measures the plane's angle of attack) was in question - either it failed on takeoff or because of a possible bird strike."

Captain George H. Snyder, President and CEO of GHS Aviation Group and former Vice President of safety for USAir and Korean Airlines, discusses the preliminary findings of the March 2018 Ethiopian Airlines crash with Flight Safety Detectives Greg Feith and John Goglia.

As we wait the full report's findings, the trio discuss the fact that the worldwide aviation industry is waking up to the certification process, training standards and the power of investigation. This was essentially a brand new airplane and there was no reason to believe it was not airworthy.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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The Aftermath, Causes and Results of the Deadly Lion Air Crash Sep 18, 2019

Episode 2

"That was a brand new airplane. If they had a problem, why didn't they go back to Boeing for a brand new part?"
"Many airlines today are outsourcing both line maintenance and their heavy base maintenance functions."
"While the services can be outsourced, the accountability and and responsibility must remain with the operator!"

Flight Safety Detectives John Goglia and Greg Feith discuss the deadly October 2018 Lion Air crash with Captain George H. Snyder, President and CEO of GHS Aviation Group and former Vice President of safety for USAir and Korean Airlines. They discuss the importance of maintenance accountability, life and death issues around language barriers, misinterpretation in operating procedures worldwide, and the process of verifying whether new or used parts are airworthy.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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The Flight Safety Detectives Takeoff Aug 23, 2019

Episode 1
Why would two guys with 100 years of flight safety experience between them want to dive back into the politics, the technology, the human factors and other aspects of the worldwide aviation industry? Because, often, it's a matter of life and death and billions of dollars are at stake.
In the debut episode, John Goglia and Greg Feith tell you why this podcast series is taking flight, they discuss critical issues facing the aviation industry, and preview what they'll discuss in future episodes. Whether you're part of the industry or an executive who spends a big part of your life in the air, this podcast is the most timely, authoritative and factual one around.
Welcome.

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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