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NTSB News Talk – Aviation Accidents, Safety Investigations & Pilot Lessons — Aviation
NTSB News Talk – Aviation Accidents, Safety Investigations & Pilot Lessons

NTSB News Talk is your go-to podcast for in-depth discussions of aircraft accidents, investigations, and the lessons pilots can’t afford to ignore. Hosted by award-winning aviation journalist Rob Mark and Max Trescott, a flight instructor who has trained as an accident investigator, this show breaks down recent NTSB reports, analyzes accident causes, and explores what every pilot, instructor, and aviation enthusiast can learn from these events.
Whether you’re a student pilot, airline captain, or simply fascinated by aviation safety, NTSB News Talk brings you facts, context, and expert commentary—without sensationalism. Rob and Max balance serious safety insights with engaging conversation, making complex investigations accessible and informative.
Each episode features real-world scenarios, industry trends, and sometimes, interviews with investigators, subject-matter experts, or those impacted by aviation incidents. Tune in to stay informed, sharpen your safety mindset, and better understand how aviation continues to evolve through hard-won lessons in the skies.
Subscribe now and never miss a crash course in aviation safety.

Latest Episodes:

Miami Boeing 767 Overrun: Tailwind Questions & Cirrus SR22 Go-Around Stall Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

A Boeing 767 lands more than 3,700 feet down a Miami runway and overruns the pavement, killing five people on the ground. A Cirrus SR22 crashes during a second go-around, killing all five aboard. And a Cessna 421 loses both engines after being fueled with Jet A instead of avgas.

In Episode 41 of NTSB News Talk, aviation safety experts Max Trescott and Rob Mark examine the critical decisions behind these accidents and the lessons pilots can take away.

The newly released Miami Boeing 767 preliminary report raises serious questions about tailwinds, unstable approaches, airspeed warnings, and a go-around attempted far too late. A new NTSB final report on a fatal Cirrus SR22 crash at Kill Devil Hills reveals striking flight-data evidence of excessive pitch and an aerodynamic stall.

The hosts also discuss Diamond DA40 crashed in mountainous terrain near Eldorado Springs, Colorado, a deadly Piper JetProp icing encounter over Wisconsin, a Gulfstream air ambulance crash following reported electrical problems, a Beech Bonanza fuel-starvation accident involving a congressman, a fatal nighttime Piper crash, and a midair collision between gliders.

From fuel management and emergency procedures to stall prevention and go-around proficiency, this episode highlights a fundamental truth: even experienced pilots cannot afford to skip the basics.

Benadryl, Cannabis & the FAA No-Fly List: Fatal Lessons for Pilots Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Episode 40 examines a wide range of recent accidents before focusing on a troubling pattern: pilots flying with impairing OTC medications or drugs in their systems.

Max Trescott and Rob Mark begin with a fatal nighttime crash of C-GPTX, a Cessna 172 in Saskatchewan and the runway overrun of Eclipse 500 N816KD at Auburn, California. They also discuss Beech Travel Air N529RB, which was flown in repeated low-level circles about 100 feet above the Pacific before crashing into the ocean, raising the possibility of an intentional act.

Preliminary reports include Piper Seneca N212ML, lost near the Bahamas in convective weather; C-IFBY, a Para-Ski VX powered parachute carrying three people even though its U.S. operation did not qualify under Part 103; and Lake Amphibian N6185V, which apparently ran out of fuel just miles from Ithaca.

Final reports include a fatal VFR-into-IMC accident involving N9626K, a Piper PA-28 and the crash of Ameriflight Beech C99 N130GP after a partial engine-power loss.

The episode closes with four fatal-accident reports involving the active ingredients in Benadryl and Zyrtec, or cyclobenzaprine, cannabis, or morphine. The takeaway is simple: “over the counter” does not mean “safe to fly,” and pilots need to understand the FAA’s medication waiting-period guidance. Max also explains why medication effects can undermine a pilot’s own self-assessment.

Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 Crash Update: 120-Knot Go-Around Attempt & More Accidents Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

New information from the NTSB is filling in the final seconds of the Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 crash in Miami. The agency’s summary of the cockpit voice recorder shows repeated concerns about excessive speed, followed by touchdown and then, 16 seconds later, a call for a go-around. The brakes were released at a ground speed of 120 knots and go-around thrust was applied before the attempt was abandoned. Recorded data showed no indication that the speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed.

Max Trescott also revisits his ADS-B analysis of Flight 7598 and explains why he believes an automation surprise involving the Boeing 767’s vertical modes may have contributed to the airplane becoming high and fast.

Then Max and Rob Mark examine the fatal KNBC AS350B2 helicopter crash in Los Angeles, including ADS-B evidence and reports of a possible low-rotor-RPM warning.

Other accidents include N734ZK, a Cessna 172N crash at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, N9485P, a fatal Piper Comanche accident at a short Alaska runway, N93R, a Lockheed 12A that took off with full flaps, a fuel-exhaustion accident involving N413AW, a Pipistrel Alpha, and N188PC, a Pilatus PC-12 loss of control in IMC.

The episode closes with a story from the NASA ASRS Callback newsletter about a Cirrus pilot’s successful recovery from a dangerous distraction in instrument conditions.

Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 Crash in Miami: Flight 7598 ADS-B Analysis and More Accidents Sep 06, 2026

Show notes

An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 crashes after overrunning Runway 30 at Miami International Airport—and ADS-B data contains an important clue about how the approach became unstable.

In this episode, we analyze the September 6 crash of Prime Air Flight 7598, operated by 21 Air with Boeing 767 N1997A. The flight from San Juan initially followed an almost perfect three-degree approach toward Miami. But approximately five miles from the runway, the aircraft unexpectedly leveled near 1,600 feet.

The ADS-B data shows that 1,600 feet had been entered as the selected altitude much earlier in the descent. That raises the possibility of an automation surprise, although another possibility is that the crew leveled inadvertently after disconnecting the autopilot to hand-fly.

The crew then attempted to recover using a descent approaching twice the normal glide angle. The 767 crossed the displaced threshold around 175 knots, apparently touched down near 160 knots, and was still traveling about 110 knots when it left the runway.

We also examine a fatal PC-12 spatial-disorientation accident, new evidence of helicopter wake turbulence in a Cessna 150 collision, and a troubling student-pilot night CFIT accident involving a CFI cross-country endorsement.

FAA No Go Over the Counter Medications List

Philadelphia Learjet 55 Crash: Spatial Disorientation Clues & Wrong-Runway Landings Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 37 of NTSB News Talk, Max Trescott and Rob Mark examine new evidence from the fatal Learjet 55 air ambulance crash in Philadelphia and several other accidents with important lessons for pilots.

Brought to you by AVEMCO aircraft insurance.

Support Rob and Max by making a donation at Patreon.com

The Learjet 55 departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport at night into a roughly 400-foot overcast. Newly released NTSB docket material shows the aircraft initially beginning its assigned right turn before slowly rolling left. The exceptionally gradual roll raises the possibility of somatogyral illusion—a form of spatial disorientation in which the inner ear may fail to detect slow rotational movement. Investigators also examined somatogravic illusion, cockpit workload, pitch trim, and the captain’s previous training history. Both engines appeared to be producing takeoff power, making an engine failure less likely.

Max and Rob also discuss two wrong-runway landings near Chicago that illustrate continuation bias and task saturation.

Other accidents include a Cirrus Vision Jet striking a pipe across a closed portion of a runway at Driggs, Idaho; a fatal Cessna 150 collision with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter; N1850N a Beechcraft Duchess accident during simulated single-engine training; and a photographer fatally struck by the wing of glider N8217W. Also, two wrong-runway landings near Chicago, N772MR (Envoy 3936) and N1128M Learjet 60.

Those final incidents highlight a recurring human-factors problem: once pilots commit mentally to a plan, contradictory evidence can become surprisingly difficult to recognize.

Cirrus Takes a Swim, Aerostar Night Crash, Twin Comanche VMC Roll & More Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 36 of NTSB News Talk, Max Trescott and Rob Mark examine a series of accidents that illustrate how quickly routine flights can unravel when pilots continue after the warning signs begin to accumulate.

Brought to you by AVEMCO aircraft insurance.

Support Rob and Max by making a donation at Patreon.com

A Cessna 172, N1166F, crashes at night at Blackfoot, Idaho, after what appears to have been a go-around. A Cirrus SR22T, N625LK, crashes near Bend, Oregon, after remaining airborne for more than five hours in an unusual flight that authorities say ended intentionally. An Aerostar 601P, N800AA, barely climbs after a nighttime departure from Adirondack Regional Airport, raising the possibility of somatogravic illusion.

They also discuss a Beech Baron, N202DK, lost after apparently continuing VFR into instrument weather, and a Piper Twin Comanche, N8154Y, that rolls inverted during a go-around following an earlier engine abnormality.

Final reports include a Diamond DA42, N705JP, that lands long with a tailwind and insufficient runway remaining; an unregistered Piper PA-18 that stalls during a low-altitude predator-control flight; a Cirrus SR22T, N778WT damaged on an unfamiliar grass runway; and a Gulfstream G600, N600WE, that loses visual reference in heavy rain during landing.

Plus, Rob reflects on the 45th anniversary of the PATCO strike and the warning he published shortly before it began. He talks about it on his Stories About Flying podcast.

N526FC Hawker 900XP Overrun at Telluride: 0° Flaps and a Tailwind Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Max Trescott and Rob Mark examine the July 20, 2024 runway excursion of Hawker 900XP N526FC at Telluride Regional Airport. The crew planned a Runway 27 departure from an airport elevation of 9,069 feet, with density altitude above 11,200 feet and takeoff calculations using nearly all of the 7,111-foot runway. But the jet began its takeoff with the flaps retracted instead of set to the planned 15 degrees, while a gusty tailwind exceeded the airplane’s operating limitation. Here are Takeoff Videos One and Two.

The aircraft never became airborne. After the crew rejected the takeoff, it ran through the engineered material arresting system and stopped beyond the runway. Both pilots escaped without injury, though the airplane sustained substantial damage and its engines continued running after impact.

Max and Rob analyze the cockpit voice recorder summary, the absence of audible checklist use or takeoff briefing, the missed opportunities to verify flap position, and the hazards of operating with almost no performance margin. They also discuss fuel-loading decisions at mountain airports, the unusual arrival hold on Telluride’s RNAV approach, unofficial instrument procedures, discrepancies in the pilots’ NTSB forms, and the lesson: disciplined checklist use, crew communication, and attention to detail are essential when conditions leave no room for error.

Three Fuel Emergencies, a Boeing 737 Crash, and the Carb-Ice Myth Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Max Trescott and Rob Mark review a mysterious Boeing 737 cargo crash, several fuel-related accidents, loss of control, and a dangerous carb-ice misconception. K2 Airways Flight KTA1732, Boeing 737-400F AP-BOI, reported a navigation problem before plunging into the Arabian Sea. The hosts analyze Beechcraft 95-A55 Baron N7501S after an apparent dual-engine failure near Lancaster, South Carolina, following an 18-hour flying day, raising questions about fuel endurance, fatigue, and nighttime hypoxia.

Preliminary reports include Cessna 150L N156KA, where the instructor tried to select a nonexistent right-tank position and investigators found a striking fuel imbalance; Cessna P210N N54CC, which stalled and spun above a 9,550-foot runway; Pacific Aerospace 750XL N221BN, whose engine was producing power before a fatal skydiving crash; and experimental Piper PA-20 N7635K, which struck mountainous terrain while flying toward instrument conditions with a suspended certificate and expired medical.

Final reports cover Cessna 172M N4464R, whose seat slid aft during takeoff, and Cessna 182 N8580T, which lost power on final after the left tank ran dry despite fuel remaining in the right tank. Listener Sam Dawson closes with a warning that no carbureted airplane should be assumed immune from carb ice or what its POH may imply alone.

Runway Close Calls, Skydiving Crashes, Citation Latitude Fatal Crash & Cirrus Icing CAPS Pull Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Max Trescott and Rob Mark review a packed week of aviation safety events, beginning with two runway close calls. At Boston Logan, Delta Air Lines Flight 2351 went around after American Airlines Flight 3161 delayed its takeoff roll on an intersecting runway. At Miami, American Airlines Flight AA308, an Airbus A319, rejected takeoff after spotting NetJets Flight EJA434, an Embraer Phenom 300, N434QS, on the runway after an apparent clearance misunderstanding.

The episode then turns to recent accidents, including the fatal Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter skydiving crash of D-FIPS in France, a fatal propeller accident involving a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, N593EX, at Marana, AZ and the crash of a NetJets Cessna 680A Citation Latitude, N523QS, near Laredo after a reported emergency. Max also discusses a fatal night Piper Archer, N249WF, near Bowie, Maryland, where possible factors include engine failure, fuel exhaustion, or carburetor ice.

Rob covers a float-equipped Cessna 195, N3877V, that struck unmarked power lines near Pasco, Washington. Final reports include a Cirrus SR22T, N285AH, seat-slide takeoff accident and a Cirrus SR20, N619AV, icing encounter that ended with a CAPS parachute deployment.

B-52 Crash, United 169 Light Pole Strike, Skydiving Tragedy, and Oshkosh Stall Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Max Trescott and Rob Mark review major recent aviation accidents and newly released NTSB reports, beginning with two breaking accidents: a U.S. Air Force B-52 crash shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California, and a fatal skydiving aircraft crash near Butler, Missouri, involving N221BN, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL/P-750 operated for Skydive Kansas City. That accident killed the pilot and 11 skydiving passengers and raises early questions about takeoff performance, low-altitude options, and the unique operational risks of jump aircraft.

Brought to you by AVEMCO aircraft insurance.

Support Rob and Max by making a donation at Patreon.com

They also discuss N318JF, a fatal Gulfstream G200 crash at La Romana in the Dominican Republic and N858SD, a Cirrus SR20 crash in Ohio, along with the pilot’s previous icing accident in in N406SR, a 2006 SR22.

The preliminary report segment focuses on United Flight 169, a Boeing 767 arriving at Newark from Venice. After multiple runway changes, the crew flew the RNAV W Runway 29 approach, descended below the intended visual path, struck a light pole near the New Jersey Turnpike, and landed safely.

Final reports include N4167G, a Cessna 402B in Puerto Rico with serious maintenance discrepancies, N18BG, a Lancair ES stall while maneuvering for spacing at Oshkosh AirVenture, N3464D, a Champion 7GCBC accident near Eatonville, N14137, a 1934 WACO that entered unexpected IMC, and N6310N, a Citabria training accident in California.

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