Flight Safety Detectives
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159 episodes
A Cessna 441 Conquest had an engine issue and landed without incident. A fix was made, but that’s not the end of the story. A second incident occurred that revealed damage not initially discovered. The Flight Safety Detectives share major safety takeaways from this sequence of events. The focus is on an Australian investigation of a 2021 incident. During some engine maintenance, two adjacent oil lines were transposed. The error was discovered when the engine did not operate properly in flight. A field repair was done, but a short time later there was another engine problem. The transposed lines led to damage to the oil pump. Fortunately, neither engine incident caused an accident. This incident would not have met the NTSB criteria for investigation, but the Australian ATSB did gather information and generate a report. That report highlights how seemingly small maintenance errors can cause larger problems. John Goglia, Todd Curtis, and Greg Feith review the findings. They go beyond the general recommendations made by the ATSB and discuss specific maintenance procedure changes that could improve aviation safety. Related document: ATSB Aviation Occurrence Report: ATSB Report AO-2021-039 Cessna Conquest.pdf Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
The Flight Safety Detectives examine the preliminary accident report from the fatal January 2023 crash of a Yeti Airlines ATR 72. They discuss professionalism and crew resource management as the central cause. “Pilots needs to execute with purpose,” Greg Feith says. “That means that before you do or touch anything in the cockpit you have to be clear about your purpose.” Greg, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia share possible reasons why the flight crew made fundamental errors that allowed the aircraft to stall and crash shortly before landing. For them, the crash may become a great case study for the importance of paying attention and professionalism. The flight crew was a captain getting familiarization training with a new airport and a training captain. John highlights the many tasks being covered by the training captain and makes a case for the need for a third crew member in the cockpit. The preliminary report shows that the training captain grabbed the wrong levers during approach. Neither pilot reacted well to the resulting flight issues. Human factors and poor communication are large contributors to the resulting crash. Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website: __ __ This episode also includes discussion of the acting FAA administrator’s effort to put together a panel to study aviation safety. John, Greg and Todd talk about the types of people who need to participate to get an accurate picture of what is happening with aviation safety. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
Major League Baseball player Cory Lidle was killed when he flew his Cirrus SR20 into a building alongside the East River in New York. The accident shows the consequences of failure to do preflight planning and poor aeronautical decision making. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the circumstances around the October 11, 2006 crash. The aircraft was on a VFR flight beneath the Class B airspace around Manhattan Island. Lidle and his passenger, who was a certificated instructor pilot, were unable to negotiate a turn over the East River, and were killed after striking a building. They talk about the need for flight planning to deal with the challenging circumstances presented by wind, tall buildings and restricted air space. Calling the conditions challenging but not impossible, they focus on many options to avoid the fatal crash. This NTSB report on this accident is full of detail. Investigators, along with the Flight Safety Detectives, were left puzzled by why the pilot did not take advantage of options available to avoid the crash. Related documents: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com. Music License Codes: ASLC-2042A62C-B9C4CBFFD, ASLC-1F1B3E23-E378DB5384
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) Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com. Music License Codes: ASLC-2042A62C-B9C4CBFFD, ASLC-1F1B3E23-E378DB5384
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. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
“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. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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.
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: __ ADVISORY CIRCULARS: __ __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com. All music used by permission: Upbeat Inspiration by Paul Werner https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Inspiration_Paul_Werner3.pdf licensed by Jamendo Licensing and Upbeat Technology Corporate by Forest Music https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Technology_Corporate_ForestMusic2.pdf licensed by Jamendo Licensing.
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. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com. All music used by permission: Upbeat Inspiration by Paul Werner https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Inspiration_Paul_Werner3.pdf licensed by Jamendo Licensing and Upbeat Technology Corporate by Forest Music https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Technology_Corporate_ForestMusic2.pdf licensed by Jamendo Licensing.
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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com. All music used by permission: Upbeat Inspiration by Paul Werner https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Inspiration_Paul_Werner3.pdf licensed by Jamendo Licensing and Upbeat Technology Corporate by Forest Music https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Technology_Corporate_ForestMusic2.pdf licensed by Jamendo Licensing.
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 __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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.
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! Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
"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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ 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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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) Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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 https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=28002 Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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 Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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 https://flightsafetydetectives.com/worthless-ntsb-report-adds-to-faulty-safety-data-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.
Episode 132 FAA Advisory Circular 60-22 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentid/22624 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.
Episode 131 Continuing the discussion started in Episode 128 https://flightsafetydetectives.com/cessna-310r-air-crash-report-highlights-and-failures-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: __ __ “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 https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
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: __ __ 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. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FlightSafetyDetectives, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website https://flightsafetydetectives.com.
