Flight Safety Detectives

Flight 810 Questions Lead to Questions

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.

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

Is a Rise in Aircraft Accidents a COVID Legacy?

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.

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

737 Crash in Hawaii

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

UAPs in the News

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.

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

Alarming Passenger Behavior Threatens Flight Safety

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.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention

Accident 42 Years Ago Has Safety Lessons Today

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.

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

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)

Attracting Underserved Communities to Aviation Careers

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.

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

Photo: Throwback! John Goglia serves as a guest lecturer at University of Nebraska circa 2000.

Tribute to Charles Taylor the Father of Aircraft Maintenance

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.

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

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

Students Speak Out About ERAU Experience

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.

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

ERAU Students Leading Safety Research

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.

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