Flight Safety Detectives

Ukraine Crisis and Other Aviation Threats, Thumbs Down for Downfall

Aviation is in the news and the headlines are tragic. The Ukraine crisis poses new risks for commercial aviation safety. Fatal general aviation accidents are on the rise. Netflix’s “Downfall – the Case Against Boeing” chooses emotion over facts. The FAA administrator’s sudden resignation adds to the turmoil.

Greg, John and Todd share their insights into these and other current events. They recommit to the mission of improving aviation safety at all levels. They invite listeners to suggest topics.

“We could to this show every day and not keep up with events. But we will keep sharing information to improve aviation safety,” says John Goglia.

Todd’s commitment has brought him back into the cockpit. He’s learning to fly again to experience the technologies, tools and information available for general aviation. Hear how he’s going about renewing his pilot skills and certifications.

Image credit: ADSBexchange.com

Cirrus Air Crash on Final Approach

Episode 106

Dissecting the fatal crash of a Cirrus SR20 near Hobby Airport in Texas. This accident highlights the value of careful preflight planning.

“Solid preflight planning leaves nothing to chance, and that would have made a difference here,” says John Goglia.

While the pilot had experience with the aircraft, her experience landing at a high traffic airports is less clear. John and Greg wonder if another pilot in the cockpit or a plan to land at a less constrained airport could have made a difference.

Other factors covered include medication found in the pilot toxicology report, confusing instructions provided by air traffic controllers and excessive maneuvering required over a 20-minute period. Get an analysis that gives insight beyond the NTSB findings summarized at the Kathryn’s Report website.

Also hear preliminary details of recent high-profile helicopter crashes in Florida and California.

Frontier-Spirit Merger Creating One Gigantic Bad Airline?

Episode 105

Greg and John are all over the news reports of the proposed merger of Frontier and Spirit airlines. Both companies have low customer satisfaction ratings. Will the combination create a larger poor performing airline or lead to safety improvements?

The conversation covers the back stories of several past commercial airline mergers. They share inside knowledge of issues and crashes that happened during and soon after mergers. As employees adjust to new procedures and operations, attention can be taken away from safety.

The episode also covers a disturbing trend in general aviation. Pilots without the proper skills, abilities and knowledge seem to be counting on technology and automation to keep them safe. The result is an alarming number of accidents.

Chasing the Wrong Safety Problems

Episode 104

The NTSB final report related to a Cessna 172 crash has Greg, John and Todd concluding that pilots and mechanics are being led to focus on the wrong safety issues. Chasing the wrong issues is stalling advances in aviation safety.

This accident is cited as the basis for a NTSB safety recommendation to add active carbon monoxide detectors to all general aviation aircraft. However, the accident details tell a completely different safety story.

“Once again, the NTSB has stopped their investigation at the hangar door,” says John. “They are not doing the in-depth analysis of maintenance issues that will help GA pilots and mechanics to do better.”

The flight safety detectives explore the real issues behind the accident. The tie the facts and details to do the analysis lacking in the NTSB investigation and report. Their probable cause: systemic noncompliance.

United Aviate Academy – Better or Worse than College Programs?

Episode 103

United Airlines just launched its own flight school. Does United Aviate Academy offer a better option for would-be pilots than college aviation programs?

Greg, John and Todd share first impressions. The program appears to be more expensive than other ways of earning pilot credentials and stops short of ATP certification.

They talk about why the program may be better or worse than college programs and private flight schools.

The new road rage? The Flight Safety Detectives also talk about the continued incidents of cabin disruptions caused by passengers who refuse to comply with federal mask mandates. Flights are being turned back, risking the safety of crew and passengers.

From the WTF files, Greg shares a recent incident where a pilot in NC swerved to miss a coyote, left the runway and hit a sign. What would you do – hit the sign or take out the coyote?

Wellstone Crash Report Misses Important Safety Findings

Episode 102

Even high-profile crashes can result in NTSB reports that miss important safety takeaways. The focus of this episode is the October 2002 crash that killed Senator Paul Wellstone and seven others. John, Greg, Todd and guest Dick Healing talk about facts that played a much greater role in the accident than the listed probable cause.

“There is no question that contributing factors were poor practices by the operator,” Healing says.

The charter operator’s organizational deficiencies set this flight up for failure before takeoff.

• Pairing of two pilots with questionable skills
• Lack of equipment such as cockpit recorders and proper manuals
• Questionable FAA oversight

While the NTSB has highlighted these issues in final reports for large carrier accidents, they are only found in the docket of this investigation.

Last US Airline Drops College Education Requirement for Pilots

Episode 101

Greg, John and Todd have a lively conversation triggered by the recent announcement from Delta Airlines that pilots no longer need a college education. Will this impact aviation safety?

“I know a lot of pilots that know aviation but don’t understand aviation,” says Greg. He adds that investigating the results of their poor decisions keeps him busy as a safety investigator.

The question at the center of the debate is what is needed to equip pilots to make the decisions and have the maturity that are needed for success. Is a college education a worthy process to make sure that only the most qualified people wind up in the cockpit?

Listen to the debate and add your thoughts. Should all airline pilots be required to have a college education?

 

100 Episodes and Going Strong

Episode 100

Episode 100 looks ahead to what’s next for Flight Safety Detectives. There’s a fresh new look and new segments to educate and entertain while doing the serious work of promoting aviation safety.

Hear John and Greg talk about their plans for 2022. They offer updates on recent major accidents covered in earlier episodes:

• Pratt & Whitney engine failure investigation, Episode 67
• TransAir 810 crash, Episode 78

Get a preview of an upcoming episode about the Citation accident involving active winglets that is now under the NTSB reconsideration of probable cause process. John and Greg have insider insights into that lesser-known process.

Listen for more crucial insights for pilots and mechanics.

Tis the Season for Aviation Accidents

 Episode 99

Winter weather and questionable piloting have led to another series of aviation accidents. Greg and John look at the initial information and stress the importance of not flying beyond your skills and knowledge.

One fatal crash took the life of their good friend Charlie Schneider, CEO of MYGOFLIGHT. They share the known details that led to the crash of his Cirrus SR22. They reflect on his dedication to general aviation and general aviation safety.

The NTSB has released the final report of the crash of a Beech B60 Duke. Greg finds that the NTSB investigation was thorough, and the report has good information. Among the findings – no preflight inspection and a homemade gust lock left in place.

“Bad things happen when you take a sick airplane into the air,” says Greg. John and Greg offer flight safety advice based on years of investigating the aftermath of accidents.

Fatal Aircraft Accidents Raise Safety Questions – Episode 98

This episode opens with a recap of the recent ceremony where John received the National Aeronautic Association Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award. The event recognized his many contributions to aviation.

John, Greg and Todd review four recent aircraft accidents – three general aviation and one commercial. They offer initial analysis and the safety questions that should be answered during the investigation process.

A Bonanza crash in California led to four fatalities. Weather appears to be a factor in this crash that happened just 16 seconds after takeoff. Local reports are that weather conditions changed rapidly in the area – could one more weather check before takeoff have led to a different outcome?

A twin engine Piper Navajo Chieftain crashed in Oregon. The recording of the interaction with air traffic control before takeoff indicates the pilot was confused. This fatal crash investigation will need to look at pilot health as well as mechanical issues.

In Nebraska, the pilot lost control and crashed a twin engine Cessna 310. This accident also raises questions about pilot proficiency and currency as well as aircraft mechanical issues.

Finally, they discuss the recent miraculous emergency landing of a fully loaded DC3 in Alaska. The pilot reported the loss of an engine shortly after takeoff and was able to maneuver to another runway and accomplish a safe landing.