Flight Safety Detectives Episode 323 - Behind the Scenes of a Real Aviation Accident Investigation

Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis take you inside the critical first day of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. Using the recent runway collision at LaGuardia Airport as a case study, they break down the unique challenges investigators face from the moment an accident occurs.

You’ll hear how the NTSB “Go Team” mobilizes—often from different corners of the country—and what happens when key personnel are delayed. Greg shares insights from his experience as an Investigator in Charge (IIC), including supporting leadership on scene and preparing officials for high-stakes press briefings where every word matters.

Get insider insight that only Greg and John can provide:
⚠️Why public communication must be precise, fact-based, and carefully controlled
⚠️How early decisions determine which parties join the investigation
⚠️When and why an accident investigation can shift into a criminal case
⚠️The evolving roles of agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Hear the behind-the-scenes information from TWA Flight 800 crash and the ValuJet Flight 592 crash that shows how complex, resource-intensive investigations uncover critical truths that aren’t always visible on day one.
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Whether you’re an aviation professional, safety enthusiast, or just curious about how major investigations unfold, this episode offers a rare, insider perspective.

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