Episode 79 TWA Flight 514 crashed into Mount Weather in Virginia in 1974 and changed aviation safety forever. This accident led to the creation of the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS). The TWA 727 crash was due in part to ambiguous information provided to the crew. As a result of the accident, the FAA and NASA created ASRS. The ASRS lets aviation system users contribute lessons and safety issues. Information is used to resolve aviation system issues. Keys to the success of the program include its voluntary nature, focus on safety, and immunity from sanctions for self-reported unintentional violations. John, Greg and Todd also provide updates on the Trans Air crash in Hawaii and recent general aviation accidents. Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by PAMA and Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Flight Safety Detectives

TWA Flight 514 Lasting Impact on Aviation Safety

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!

Flight 810 Questions Lead to Questions

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!

Is a Rise in Aircraft Accidents a COVID Legacy?

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

737 Crash in Hawaii

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!

UAPs in the News

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

Alarming Passenger Behavior Threatens Flight Safety

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)

Accident 42 Years Ago Has Safety Lessons Today

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.

Attracting Underserved Communities to Aviation Careers

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

Tribute to Charles Taylor the Father of Aircraft Maintenance

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!

Students Speak Out About ERAU Experience

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!

ERAU Students Leading Safety Research

Episode 68 Live from the campus of Embry-Riddle in Daytona, Florida! John, Greg and guest Bob Joyce talk about the focus on safety, quality and professionalism in all aspects of the university. The curriculum at Embry-Riddle covers the operation, engineering, research, manufacturing, marketing, and management of modern aircraft and the systems that support them. Bob Joyce is the university’s director of aviation safety. Greg reflects on his time as a student and how the safety-first approach has influenced his career. Embry-Riddle has strong safety management systems (SMS) and leads in bringing a safety culture to all aspects of aviation. Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Living the Safety Culture at Embry-Riddle

Episode 67 The United Airlines engine failure is back in the news. Service bulletins and/or airworthiness directives may be issued soon. Investigation of fire suppression issues continue. Three months after the accident, issues related to crew performance are just surfacing. John and Greg catch listeners up on the investigation, how it is illustrating NTSB shortcomings, and the need for the FAA to revisit increasingly outdated flight regulations. FAA Drone Rules Change in April Loretta Alkalay, retired FAA regional counsel and avid drone user, returns to update listeners about new drone rules. The FAA rules have been clarified, but many drone users are still not aware of regulations that apply to them. Hot Mic Rant Raises Safety Concerns A Southwest Airlines pilot was caught on a hot mic making an expletive-filled rant against the San Francisco Bay Area. The unidentified pilot was heard on a radio frequency as the flight taxied for departure. John and Greg wonder if a pilot who is so angry can be focused on flying safely. Probably not. Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Pratt & Whitney Engine Failure Investigation Heats Up

Episode 66 The NTSB preliminary report of a March 27 helicopter crash in Alaska that killed five people sheds little light on the cause. John, Greg, and guest Jason Lukasik explore the many factors that could have contributed to the fatal accident. The onsite inspection is the most important part of the investigation. In this case, the investigation is stalled by poor weather conditions. Speaking of Alaska, Where’s the Report from the 2019 Roundtable? Greg and John are still looking for some kind of report from the NTSB “Most Wanted List Roundtable: Alaska Part 135 Flight Operations Charting a Safer Course” event hosted by the NTSB. Jason attended and found that there were many valuable discussions during the day. Piper Woes Continue The FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin to address the wing spar bolt hole washer issue raised in Episode 65. Hear about the complications a manufacturer error adds to this already frustrating topic for Piper owners. Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount! Photo: Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

Fatal Helicopter Accident in Alaska and More on NTSB Challenges

Episode 65   Mandated inspections are being performed on Piper PA28 aircraft based on airworthiness directive AD 2020-26-16. The Flight Safety Detectives offer an update on progress. Listen for what to do and what not to do for affected aircraft. Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, returns to share preliminary data collected. The cracking issue that prompted in the AD is present in about 5% of airplanes inspected so far. Good news for aircraft owners is that the inspection cost is down to about $700. Bad news is that several mechanics seem to be ignoring the proper procedures for inspections and fixes. They cover a range of questions and reports from the field including: An alternate means of compliance (AMOC) that seems ill-advised Importance of using the proper hardware as outlined in the AD Simple process for conducting proper inspection They discuss the possibility that the FAA may include more planes in the AD once data is collected. Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Piper Bolt Holes AD Findings and Best Practices

World-renowned aviation-industry consultants and former NTSB investigators John Goglia and Greg Feith have 100 years of worldwide aviation safety experience between them. In this hard-hitting podcast series they talk about everything aviation -- from the behind-the-scenes facts on deadly air crashes to topics of interest such as tips and tricks for navigating through airports and security, traveling with infants and children, unruly passengers, and packing your bags to ease through security.

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Flight Safety Detectives

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