Flight Safety Detectives

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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.

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Contained or Uncontained? Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

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?

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Show notes

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.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rental Aircraft Safety Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

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.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Show notes

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.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The FAA and Building a Safety Culture Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

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.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Photo: Matthew G. Bisanz

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

FAA Struggles Following 737 Max Issues Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

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.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Show notes

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?

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Light Sport Aircraft Safety Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

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

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Show notes

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.

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected