Flight Safety Detectives

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

Show notes

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.

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.

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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How to Get Information on Aircraft Incidents Aug 31, 2022

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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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