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.
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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.

Boeing will be hosting a job fair on October 29, 2022 from 10:00am - 2:00pm PST.

Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center
17620 International Blvd, 3rd Floor
Seattle, WA 98188

Attendees are asked to bring printed copies of your resume and take advantage of early check-in using the information below. Additional information and job opportunities are available here.

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:

• Flight AF 447 Final Report (PDF)
• RL2017:08e Final Report (PDF)

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives – subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

Registration is now available for Concorde Battery Corporation’s 2023 Virtual IA Renewal Series and the in-person IA Renewal event at Midlands Technical college in West Columbia, South Carolina.   These free aviation maintenance training sessions are available to inspectors, maintenance professionals, pilots, operators, aviation professionals, students and enthusiasts.
 
Virtual Events
The 3rd Annual Virtual IA Renewal Series provides access to 8 hours of maintenance training by prominent speakers worldwide from the comfort of your device.  Distinguished speakers teach one-hour courses on Piston, Turbine and Rotorcraft specific topics. Each series runs for four hours over two days and is available in a morning (8 AM – 12 PM EST) and evening (5 PM – 9PM EST) session to accommodate worldwide audiences.  Each session is eligible for up to 8 hours of IA and FAA WINGS credit.
 
The Virtual IA Renewal Series dates are –
Concorde Battery Piston Virtual IA Renewal Series – January 12 & 13, 2023 
Concorde Battery Turbine Virtual IA Renewal Series – January 19 & 20, 2023
Concorde Battery Rotorcraft Virtual IA Renewal Series – January 26 & 27, 2023
 
In-Person Event in West Columbia, South Carolina – February 4, 2023
2023 marks the revival of an in-person Concorde IA Renewal Series event. For its 23rd year, the South Carolina IA Renewal will be back at Midlands College in West Columbia, South Carolina.  This full day event will take place from 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday, February 4th, 2023.  Registration begins at 7 AM. The day will include a catered lunch by Sweet Magnolias of Pelion, SC, door prize raffles throughout the day, and presenters who are eager to interact with you once again. This year’s event includes your option of speakers during hours 2-7 so you may choose your preferences.
 
For more information on speakers and to register for a Concorde IA Renewal Series event visit  www.concordebattery.com. Access IA Renewal information by clicking on the 2023 IA Renewal Series graphics on the homepage or through the Training drop down menu.
 
Concorde Battery Corporation is pleased to facilitate aviation maintenance education for all; IA status is not required.
 
For more details, contact: [email protected]

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.
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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 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:

• NTSB Accident Number: CEN22FA232
• Preliminary Kathryn’s Report (PDF)

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Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight safety Detectives – subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

Poor aeronautical 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.
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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.

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.
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Also in this episode, Greg retracts a 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.